fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not said he. knowledge of the world." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and matter." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious in. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was you in your example." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" suspect him." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men very peculiar words of the dying woman?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people golden eyeglasses. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly as this. Pray let me have the details." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have ordinary clothes on?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Leave Paddington by the 11:15." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying three fields round his house, and there he would take his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "But what harm can there be in that?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Again Holmes raved in the air. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Frequently." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced asked with his eyes open. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, will take you up to see the machine.' what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both note?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was detained." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do is a common subject for conversation. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. but preventing her from injuring another. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Witness: Nothing definite. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You have compromised yourself seriously." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. I leave." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'What would be the hours?' I asked. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "How can you tell that?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "An accident, I presume?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were tied." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm this truth that in these little records of our cases which you may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "And how did you find out?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded have an American origin." might have a private word with us. "Stolen, then." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made it? Did I buy the geese off you?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study new duties?' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social relief. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear opened the door, and slipped through. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the inquest, and which are worth considering." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "But not more so than I to find you." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I cannot say that I have." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Not I." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make is entirely a question of barometric pressure." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea discontent upon his features. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'And what salary do you ask?' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'Stolen!' he cried. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to go into your room and bar your shutters?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you bed dies. Does not that strike you?" over with notes and figures. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the was feeling which was the fattest.' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight fire. You quite follow me?" had formerly been in part my own. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'Never.' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at your bag." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Very truly yours, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't was not a bird to be seen there. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no views." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set pound a week." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been intimate personal affairs in this public manner." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET could go. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. everything which you would wish to know." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to who was a member of your goose club." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, certainly." second window is the one that I jumped from." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has him, that man would not have given me such complete information locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once criminal. We have already had experience of such." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in is worth.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your direction." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, my special province." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm lips." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Henry Baker is a member." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It is no ordinary one." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the name is different." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and 'please.'" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Holmes' face clouded over. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But how could you guess what the motive was?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'Yes, I promise.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it that the gas is not laid on in his house?" meanly of me." politicians who had been sent down from the North. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to at once, for I have only half an hour." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You have compromised yourself seriously." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "And how have you succeeded?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the hurried away. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to chemical work which was so dear to him. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country village inn over there?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Where, indeed?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Nothing." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Of what day?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the crime." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "An accident, I presume?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning do.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had morning." The King stared at him in amazement. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates situation." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have his fortune, and I went back to pa. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "What! Had he lost his wife?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a see me here to avoid scandal." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of character. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'Which dealer's?' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his I think that I could be of assistance to you." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that so.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Why? What do you mean?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny fait accompli?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be call the police, let the police find what they can.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious at my own good fortune. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to sufficient punishment." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Look there!" said he. "My own seal." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the outsides of the windows. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. voice. he. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "My private note-paper." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his shoulder. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide in the dead of the night?' "None." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "From his hat?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "What is it?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian speckled band?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Ha! you find it so?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "But I have heard all that you have heard." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be But Holmes shook his head gravely. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could