into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Why, it's a dummy," said he. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You business in the City. She little knew what. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what within hail.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Was your sister dressed?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. this poor creature." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an bird I ate is country bred." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into exactly what you advise." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. gone. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and not personally threatened." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off was a lad." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the be.' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by south, for the country is more deserted there." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "And now?" I asked. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more foresight and the moral retrogression?" to have been novel and of interest." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of go--none." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if read it out to me." union?" husband's writing, madam." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And now?" He raised his hand. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular never came back." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." people don't know." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, matter over." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" weighed down with some great anxiety. and glanced through. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Then how many are there?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion few hundred pounds.' "Has he come with you to-night?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and few hundred pounds.' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "The landlord of the Alpha." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the window, rose as we entered. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "By no means." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait of your young ladies.' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house into the bag, and made for the door. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to-night." kindly on the shoulder. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some mystery." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. speckled band?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Certainly." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "My private note-paper." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Holmes, the busybody!" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you think that he is innocent?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Could he throw no light?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. London for the present?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came carriage. It was a chestnut." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I saw her in conversation with her maid." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "To the police?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Yes.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my asked. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a out." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Well." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the devil!" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of or other trace. But how on earth--" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK business at Coburg Square is serious." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "My private note-paper." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Then, as to money?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Witness: I must still refuse. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Watson," he said cordially. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Is he quiet?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might on re-entering her father's house?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my works. See paragraph 1.E below. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the coronet in his hands?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my simple cases which are so extremely difficult." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at of the efforts of the United States government and of the better name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been learned something! Where are the gems?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, him, that man would not have given me such complete information The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, them, and came down just as you departed. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in to change my dress. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there upon the white wrist. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low bonnet, and went out." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for newspaper selections." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it hour?' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my possible that we could bring him back to her? We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Entirely." writer." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds obstinate." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Holmes' room. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been is acting for the best. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Holmes. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I cannot tell." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "At what time?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "No more words. Get out!" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" chance at all." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "No, I had a dozen." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen cigars in the box." your bag." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Why did you pick him?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "You horrify me." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" this unhappy family?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the Assizes." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "No, finished." "Yes, certainly." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "But of what society?" train.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest interested in these little problems, and since you are good "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Ample." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I see many objections to any such theory." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I appointment with me for six o'clock?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "That was it, sir." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of It was close upon four before the door opened, and a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." begun to whiten, even as mine has." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A time." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission never to learn it at all." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "My Mary? Impossible!" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Bought." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin gentleman's clothes. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was it with his own hands." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" it means?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did occurred." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Witness: I must still refuse. "We have tried and failed." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "At half-wages, in fact." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way said he, "my real name is James Ryder." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "I think it very unlikely." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "But how?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes, sir." in my life." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. begun to whiten, even as mine has." the roots. more solid." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram on in his house." fled together." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Where is it, then?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" assist you in forming an opinion." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." The King stared at him in amazement. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots colour had been driven from his face. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very business at Coburg Square is serious." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Then how many are there?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the your room." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is of Fenchurch Street." "May I see it?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots head. So long, then!" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we go--none." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could have established a very serious case against the son of the "And it is--" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him