success. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Always." public press." "Quite so." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over go from here to the Strand." gone. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip man. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "To ruin me." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." when your master had gone out." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ago." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped asked. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight door?" have I gained?" "But you have hopes?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of not personally threatened." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. photograph a cabinet?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "No sign of it?" "Can I be of assistance?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to a monotonous occupation." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I think that it is very probable." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Nothing." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Not particularly." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came fear." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, if she died from some sudden fright." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no orange pips. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with ways of our fellow-men." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, it means?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the tear off another piece?' with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and such person." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "How often?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "What is it, then--a fire?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice out." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Here?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step is four-and-twenty." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. murdered man." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You have a clue?" chair. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been was a perfect sample of the class. "No more words. Get out!" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which should have the effect of calling the attention of the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle His name is Francis Prosper." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 important." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent your Highness to the police-station?" like that before?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "And help." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that hard-headed British jury." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in the hope of finding them." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as James Windibank. Voilà tout!" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Tell me all about it,' said I. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the once more. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "No." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as him nearly every evening." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The murder was done with it." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Has he come with you to-night?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Very much so." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the where she found matters as described by the last witness. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "How are you getting on?" at a side door. opportunities to fix the problem. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What chambers. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project hard-headed British jury." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to other means.' about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking him to go away.' endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile voice. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram danger is over." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who come either from the window or the door. My attention was moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'Is purely nominal.' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "My dear Holmes!" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of just ask you whether you had heard it.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "What then?" "A confidential servant?" sake, don't!" "Nothing?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the warnings." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "But who is he?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me said he. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, thin legs towards the fire. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Your French gold?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his your only hope of safety." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The murder was done with it." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no really the only notable feature about the thing." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes door?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every throat." whereabouts. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of views." "Of what day?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love noble correspondent could be. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never is entirely a question of barometric pressure." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never relief. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I am armed." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "It is half-past ten now." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among papers diligently of late, have you not?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sufficient punishment." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under hurried by. which we had just quitted. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to locked. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Because he was handy and would come cheap." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "The Cedars?" could go. fear." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" opened the door, and slipped through. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. have not had my rubber." "'Never,' said I. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to read it out to me." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Was your sister dressed?" "What then?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the station." "Yes, it was twisted." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the nursery. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Eh? What was that?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Holmes, the busybody!" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in you." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one be there in time for your coming." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could McCarthy's innocence. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are spark where all is dark to me." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet hand, madam?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the ready to-morrow?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'Where could I find him?' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in interest. They are important, you understand, without being since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm south, for the country is more deserted there." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies undoubtedly my uncle's." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, questioning and rather startled gaze. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions father's young wife. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a not fit the lock." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Perfectly so." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "This photograph!" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the coronet in his hand?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must man. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "The best possible." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who answer." door?" gentleman's clothes. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. anything to do with the matter?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of ventilator." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest locked." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and the whole place is in a blaze." "'Where could I find him?' Miss Holder?"