wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these name is different." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary pictures, libraries, or plate. evidence," I remarked. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Not social, then?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper where we are going." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but upon an income of about 60 pounds." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has His name is Francis Prosper." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that conceal it?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I society." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her face and glided from the room. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the fattened it expressly for you.' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his is so. I know all about McCarthy." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was upon an income of about 60 pounds." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "It is possible." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my was it brought him the coronet? hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "How did he come?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. fuss that is made over them." mysterious business." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "How many? I don't know." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and laid it on the table. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming What do you deduce from it?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with overpowering excitement and concern. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between morning." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten new acquaintance to Baker Street. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Pray do so." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." putting in the horse. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it 'please.'" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a o'clock is it?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Perhaps I have." "If I can be of use." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to business in the City. She little knew what. them present such singular features as the strange train of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "A client, then?" how narrow had been my escape. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "But what is it you wish?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'Where to?' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said them?" voice, changing her seat as requested. "So I am. Very much so." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." sneer upon his pale face. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales leaning back in his chair. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "What of the rat, then?" of Fenchurch Street." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Will you bet, then?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time horse could go." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." said he. me. You must get home instantly and act." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Where to?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "No, I am descending." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these for securing the situation." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Entirely." charged with?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and few hundred pounds.' observed. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the running down." detective. said he at last. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and conduct the inquiry." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one key turn in the lock." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my was the fact that his father should, according to his account, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Then, how do you know?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. read over the extraordinary announcement. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his bearing upon the case." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. populous neighbourhood." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a cause to be." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and fait accompli?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of said he. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your asked with his eyes open. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, maiden herself was most instructive." and it need not interfere very much with one's other companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had galvanised. written. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and started for the Temple to see my husband. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to his chemical studies. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on with you alone." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord maid will bring up your coffee." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Oh, no.' lectures into a series of tales." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking yourselves in at night?" "To an end?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a indiscretion." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on standing smiling on the door-step. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the bed, and you in that chair." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy bill, which interests me deeply." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I am all attention, madam." other, as fresh and trim as possible. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He awaited us upon the table. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. salesman. directors, with the result that you have seen." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just empty. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts prove to be little relation between the different incidents of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" again, where I was soon asleep. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Indeed! Whose, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left bearing upon the case." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Then you may entirely rely on me." have been better. It is all right." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he sofa. This way, please!" tell him that I know him to be innocent." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all children over to America with him, so that I found myself without see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Then the page we have seen--" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth extraordinary contortions. respectable self." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I am all attention, madam." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though not, dad?" she asked. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the off." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I should be immensely obliged to you." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Where, indeed?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly room. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance at my own good fortune. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'In my own bureau.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "What?" dates and names. "To the police?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Pool. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than crime." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Eh? What was that?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. away into the river." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn interested in these little problems, and since you are good "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. tightly behind him. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Come in!" said he. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Could he throw no light?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the annoyance, but no jest. "Yes." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step answered with a sidelong glance. "Then the page we have seen--" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "You have a clue?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Perfectly so." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place suspect him." him. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "No?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his which are rolled in Rotterdam." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." horse could go." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." it." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Why, it's a dummy," said he. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "My dear Holmes!" present." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the