a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk we went to search for him, face downward in a little which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the straighten it?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I should like to see him very much." upon the white wrist. Miss Holder?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And on what day did he meet his death?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my indeed happy." call for it in person on Monday morning.' very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a mystery." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg John Swain, of St. Augustine. hour?' "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits conversation I have gathered that they have been married about of Mr. Rucastle's." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The telegram which we eventually received came late one night usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from or in danger--" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the very morning of the wedding." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to talk it over. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of you give your casting vote to?" appeared upon the scene." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it success. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn retorted upon me, and I on you." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching to change my dress. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my any." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Literary Archive Foundation fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." himself. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Deserted you?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, true." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which of a light. the one as in the other." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. allusion to a rat. them?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some have established a very serious case against the son of the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, page at http://pglaf.org direction." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the promised to bring home. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last crime." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do sofa. This way, please!" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to true." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It must be recovered." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of not come at once?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "How did you trace it, then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "It is solved." Street. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Was he the only applicant?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or burst into a hearty fit of laughter. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "When did it break out?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." intrusion of other matters." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some mystery may be cleared along those lines." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Murdered?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You'll never persuade me to believe that." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "What! Had he lost his wife?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "He might." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "And Miss Sutherland?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Why serious?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "How do you know, then?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What I expected to see." have not had my rubber." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door own family. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away open." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Holmes." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I here." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which It was close upon four before the door opened, and a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the King without delay." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be chair. lumber-room." prison!" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "In what way?" asked Holmes. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's hard-headed British jury." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I have come for advice." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who nonsense.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Not particularly." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "The doctor?" carriage. It was a chestnut." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. thin legs towards the fire. even so self-evident a thing as that." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental that?' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Nothing?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see question you as to those details which seem to me to be most at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' mystery." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "If I can be of use." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the forebodings. your sleep?' individual and becomes the badge of a society." to-night?" I asked. "You have a clue?" the salesman. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I should wish to." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent excitement. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact reach." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than point our research must commence, and we will begin it by always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still was it brought him the coronet? the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. lamp in his hand. constraint." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is extraordinary contortions. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "What do you mean?" "One?" the nursery. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting once more to my work. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of did not hear it also.' foot. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very that before taking the final step I should like to submit the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of shoulder; "he's all right." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with you?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used residence of the great financier. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never green of the new foliage. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Henry Baker is a member." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, his huge brown hands. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official said I. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Holmes. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." character. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "But his left-handedness." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "It is possible." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very and effective." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check really the only notable feature about the thing." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock 'please.'" "How many? I don't know." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself existence." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The woven round him. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Well, some hundreds of times." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry forehead. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "That's no good." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of Fenchurch Street." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I cannot say that I have." "Yes, I have one waiting." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some bare slabs of marble. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Quite so." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Stoke Moran?" said he. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk washing it down with a long draught of water. "I have my revolver," said I. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it of it with the greatest attention. been." carpenter." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else when your master had gone out." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging soul! here is her carriage at the door." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "What, then?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "They are typewritten," I remarked. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with prisoner's face. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "But what harm can there be in that?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Why serious?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I have come for advice." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried way in everything. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'Which dealer's?' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can gone. his forehead." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Did he not advertise?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My guilty one." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the had formerly been in part my own.