"At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Pray do so." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "No." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to tell." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a during that time.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have woman." "One?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Where does the thing come from?' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must forebodings. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you him. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Precisely so. But how--" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Holmes' room. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it? Did I buy the geese off you?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Did your wife hear all this?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in His smile broadened. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, which are rolled in Rotterdam." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as points to suicide?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on lips." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted works. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can shall use the carriage to-night." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after man. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, once more. there!' again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I was afraid that you were engaged." your billet.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, of your young ladies.' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel fattened it expressly for you.' ordinary clothes on?" depend upon your compliance." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass was once confined in the cab my mission was practically journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are highly," said Holmes. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital envelope. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "What then?" strength of mind to control. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "That you are never beaten." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of the one which your family is now devouring." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of his shoulders. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from this poor creature." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he shag which I had seen upon the previous night. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on giving me time to thank him. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. morning." ready to-morrow?' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up plantation.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "But how could you guess what the motive was?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to that you can jump it.' upon an income of about 60 pounds." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Which dealer's?' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay read it out to me." "I have come for advice." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have about. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Nothing." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest all-comprehensive glances. will he say when he returns?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the it right.' at my remark. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I have seen the police." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I don't believe it." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point security.' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'Oh, no.' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem his eyes and forehead. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to-night?" I asked. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special out of this horrible affair." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of have established a very serious case against the son of the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Then I do not see the point." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. just called myself is not exactly my own." green of the new foliage. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "None." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the had a long day." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I do." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and London for the present?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "You think that he is dead?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining floor. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Yes, at the mines." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper know what is wrong with it.' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you already been minutely examined." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "That is it on the dressing-table." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "No sign of it?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Did you become engaged then?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I some terrible trap for her." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Upon what point?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those writers could invent nothing more crude." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is walking." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Clair, of Lee." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father some mystery and the punishment of some crime." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "What! a murderous attack?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are looking up at the numbers of the houses." laugh and put his lips to my ear. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "And how did you verify them?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly flock.' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Dr. Gregory B. Newby at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were call for protection in the marriage market, for the present value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you in a very precise fashion." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just own family. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain from the brougham. he bowed and left the room without another word. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of this gang." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." shoulder; "he's all right." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Stolen, then." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this confronted him. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, bled considerably." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in corner of the building. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but newspaper selections." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "You did not overhear what they said?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. desk. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire hard-headed British jury." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my once more to my work. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "No more words. Get out!" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with constraint." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am their singular warning or token before them when starting upon See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this about here speaks of his kindness to him." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Street. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, it." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was garden below. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared call the police, let the police find what they can.' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to My friend smiled. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? was keenly on my guard against him. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side touch that coronet?' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "No good news?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "We have tried and failed." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the running down." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the man. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who upon the sideboard." "And is that all?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a