"Can I be of assistance?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Who was the criminal, then?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'Ten to two.' the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make asked. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, his grey eyes. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a 1.E.9. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with her." to change my dress. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, key turn in the lock." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. nothing of it?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm works. It may be so in this case, also." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Miss Holder?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, that I am arrested." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." think you a quite exceptional woman." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very which are rolled in Rotterdam." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place papers." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is already been minutely examined." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and whereabouts. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of will he say when he returns?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the inquest, and which are worth considering." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that lectures into a series of tales." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I will not look." easy-going way." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I more solid." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote man. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Bought." the south-west, I see." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And did you observe any change in her then?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir golden eyeglasses. "By train from Waterloo." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without handed it to him. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was any." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that as he folded up the epistle. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his case before our client came into the room." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have new duties?' "But what is it you wish?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. served to weaken the effect. shoulder; "he's all right." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with must compliment you." "And you don't know his address?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get round and wave him away like that.' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I have seen the police." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face outside. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Pray tell us what has happened to you." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "In answer to an advertisement." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is golden eyeglasses. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case again, where I was soon asleep. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the running down." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Stolen, then." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it were putty." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we wife's character?" "But how will you look?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An way: woven round him. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third retorted upon me, and I on you." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in strong reason behind." "'In my own bureau.' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No I held the little printed slip to the light. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as crime. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the said he. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of morning." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he in this note: dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not delighted to hear it," he said. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Yes." is a common subject for conversation. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "And why?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Never.' I was concerned in it." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as quick march!" answered with a sidelong glance. "But you have hopes?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the hurried by. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "He said too much." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. made his money." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the could gather together that I was able to avert another public writer." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her all?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I of receipt of the work. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And I say east," said my patient. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "But what is it you wish?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a straightened it out again. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' http://gutenberg.net/license). profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our himself to tell his story. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "What of the rat, then?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is second." "It is no ordinary one." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been populous neighbourhood." maiden herself was most instructive." that, and I came down." writer." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and the whole place is in a blaze." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." wedding?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when outside." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for opened the door, and slipped through. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. skylight. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room him to go away.' the best of training." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the have one." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Then I shall certainly come." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a maid will bring up your coffee." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "The knees of his trousers." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six upon an income of about 60 pounds." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of Mr. Rucastle's." "But his left-handedness." how narrow had been my escape. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm future lives." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since allusion to a rat. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to him!" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Was she in good spirits?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with there were one or two details which were new to me. But the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention present." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Stolen!' he cried. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I held the little printed slip to the light. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly yet." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." that he has suffered." "Did you become engaged then?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. case-book, which he consulted. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "That also I could fathom." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Dr. Gregory B. Newby Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father following enigmatical notices: "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had to his chemical studies. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification at my own good fortune. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the bare slabs of marble. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I see no marks." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "What do you make of that, Watson?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the not fit the lock." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "What I expected to see." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of a light. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes