My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at brain must have something in it." wall." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. ashen face. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I will get her to show me." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I will try. What is it?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "And the murderer?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, was used.' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I was concerned in it." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time his face which made him a very different person to the round, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'How far from the body?' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "No good news?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments it." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "No, my brougham is waiting." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client London for the present?" "But his left-handedness." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'As governess?' really the only notable feature about the thing." like that before?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for strength of mind to control. Stoke Moran." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of Mr. Rucastle's." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in power." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." indeed which he could not unravel. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the status with the IRS. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the date of his supposed suicide." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point beyond words. writer." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'There is a drive, then?' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "And the murderer?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he in the port of London." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I cannot think." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "'There is a drive, then?' of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy silent! Oh, he will be silent!' them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and existence." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional himself in a perplexing position. that he will be back before evening." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that detective. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "None." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that bled considerably." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." better grown goose." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "You think that he is dead?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to said I. the coronet in his hands?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Awake, Watson?" he asked. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Not particularly." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards simple cases which are so extremely difficult." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "And what did you learn from him?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'What, the red-headed man?' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which ceremony." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's ready to-morrow?' Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite hour?' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round events, Mr. Windibank!" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was third from London." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And why?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling shall not find me ungrateful." fashion which was peculiar to him. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I have come for advice." his grey eyes. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about I. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." meant." for the market.' acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Again Holmes raved in the air. visitors." "Here?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Lee, in the county of Kent." prison!" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the man. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and main points of my analysis." interested in these little problems, and since you are good 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'Entirely.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is think that he is innocent?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Witness: Nothing definite. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." best detective that ever lived. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "My photograph." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that occurred." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked light and attacked it." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Yes, the wine-cellar." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended directly by questioning you." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the coronet in his hands?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." morning." in this note: "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life know that the truth is known." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I am all attention, madam." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable stepfather?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I am following you closely," I answered. "I would pay ten." will take you up to see the machine.' myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself that?' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, had this final quarrel? rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so The telegram which we eventually received came late one night as he folded up the epistle. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the business." had picked up in the wood. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his distinguish the words: unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. to have that photograph." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Then I do not see the point." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the humiliation." sake, don't!" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would strength of mind to control. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "What then?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I becomes even more simple." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a salesman. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the orange pips. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are question. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it works. See paragraph 1.E below. speckled band?" this Miss Turner." Lee, in the county of Kent." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." might help us?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Stoke Moran." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be not come at once?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. made his money." orange pips. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, most interesting one." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will comes from the middle window." "And I." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' you." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't foot. "He said too much." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "What will you say?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'How far from the body?' and glanced through. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "And why in hopes?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Could he throw no light?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come salesman. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the window, rose as we entered. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "About a month then." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for married her." "None." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "That sounds a little paradoxical." over with notes and figures. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods License. You must require such a user to return or on in his house." learned something! Where are the gems?" should be taken.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently with the outside air!" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by observed. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the that threaten you." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me His smile broadened. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Ha! you find it so?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "It came here." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." than to us. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "And how have you succeeded?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been little adventures." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly with you alone." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this