that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "It is possible." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I think it very unlikely." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But you have hopes?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of breakfast." "She told me to ask you." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I came to find a friend." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened fear." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any is worth.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'What then?' I asked. the coronet in his hands?" humiliation." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "And how did you verify them?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers 'I should be able to look after that for you.' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "He is dead," cried several voices. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" new duties?' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said to Leatherhead. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Thank you. And your address?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Have you her photograph?" go--none." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had test if we have an answer to our advertisement." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps habit of advancing money.' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of tightly behind him. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Entirely." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to chill to my heart. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "It is to him that this trophy belongs." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had sneer upon his pale face. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Stolen, then." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your went to the Alpha were town bred." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to be there in time for your coming." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the best of training." and capable of preserving a secret.' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried I shall communicate with you." her also." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double father's place of business?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Come in!" said he. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Perhaps we may make them less so." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster that there was nothing in it, after all." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to had died away into the silence from which it rose. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "VIOLET HUNTER." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps take the flies, but not before." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But she could not love him." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the done what I asked you, Jones?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at fled together." "Will you go?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door me." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "And that is--" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "I will do it." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. into the bag, and made for the door. back to my heart. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "The knees of his trousers." "And when will you call?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would sentimental considerations in the background which would induce plantation.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he that there was nothing in it, after all." relief. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any that Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. views." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' my secret was safe in his possession. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and shall probably return to London by the evening train." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was where we are going." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with than to us. and laid it on the table. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I have seen the police." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I cannot as yet see any connection." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of astonishment. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, behind me. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock hair?' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy some place of shelter and let the county police know what has 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the bed, and you in that chair." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the man. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the dangers which encompass me." own family. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from over here." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view was the fact that his father should, according to his account, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about country, and eventually married, without anyone having a you understand?" "No." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was know that the truth is known." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Why? What do you mean?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I have come for advice." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was and put his glass in his pocket. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she things are very often connected not with the larger but with the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Why did you beat the pavement?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He followed. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. me. You must get home instantly and act." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was your Highness to the police-station?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official gentleman's clothes. gives a meaning to it." "How did he come?" electronic works the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free recover the gem." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in 'please.'" detained." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella evidence," I remarked. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, my former friend and companion. "I would give my fortune to have them back." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the general public were present, then?" "Married! When?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the carpenter." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and made his money." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "My photograph." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the there!' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend young Openshaw's." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Bought." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which her also." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I it." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'Never.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. your room." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your any." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet ago." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I am sure." "And I say east," said my patient. people don't know." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond chill to my heart. "She will not sell." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT his wife has ceased to love him." depend upon your compliance." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of License. You must require such a user to return or "I cannot say that I have." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Where did he live, then?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to fuss that is made over them." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call results." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very conduct the inquiry." "How are you getting on?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "How many? I don't know." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But fatally injured? are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a tell me that you intended to go into harness." to that open window." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic conduct the inquiry." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we over his head with a sweet womanly caress. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the possible that we could bring him back to her? "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "No, distinctly professional." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one detective. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hand, madam?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the go--none." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and entirely lost his self-respect." as he folded up the epistle. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a