front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather behind me. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. that laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." hereditary King of Bohemia." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found opened the door, and slipped through. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. with the outside air!" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some his face which made him a very different person to the round, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. in a friendly supper." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Farm upon the left." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should fish-monger and a tide-waiter." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and strong and stiff." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I was mad--insane." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "But the mystery?" forehead. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an a little more before I quite committed myself. that you can jump it.' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Witness: Nothing definite. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Pray let us have it, for all that." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "If I can be of use." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "I am all attention, madam." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" never came back." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "He slept on the premises." asked. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I don't believe it." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And why in hopes?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. bell. Holmes whistled. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you interests were the same as his." "But what will you do?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while License. You must require such a user to return or brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, you." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "It was." "And why in hopes?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Why that?' I asks. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that became a certainty. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than morning." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my room had already been engaged for us. McCarthy's innocence. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel grasp, he hurried from the room. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I side. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "What I expected to see." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And you thought he was pulled back?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Yes, I have one waiting." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET night.' said he. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Can I be of assistance?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And why?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous union?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you washing it down with a long draught of water. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "But how will you look?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of sparkled upon his finger. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Very murderous indeed." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You are all wrong." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my touch that coronet?' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Thank you. Pray proceed." "The landlord of the Alpha." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I this as likely?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down seem to you to be relevant or not." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that main points of my analysis." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some relation between them, and what the object of his repeated could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "And you can do nothing until then?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. mystery." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with other, as fresh and trim as possible. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, some city in a dream. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Yes. He waved his hands." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Not at all. I only doubt--' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the best of training." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which crowd. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in you." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but to change my dress. "But of what society?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "But how?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all do.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your there in twenty minutes." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "That is possible." formed some opinion?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To are, I think, all that we need." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a should be taken.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' have accepted such a situation. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Will you bet, then?" License. You must require such a user to return or by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the Red-headed League." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. lamp. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? signal between you and your father? man. I know him from the photograph." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but anything to do with the matter?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened instincts rose up against that laugh. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual one of the states of the Union." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if door?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "The gentleman I describe." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "What?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous envelope. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both them?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Yes." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall was not a bird to be seen there. views." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in cheerful." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Leadenhall Street--and--" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of points to suicide?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "That is unusual in a young girl." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself attention." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That this man was intellectual?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "How on earth--" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of handed it to him. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way girl said." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "But what will you do?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Leadenhall Street--and--" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked