"I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she know what is wrong with it.' began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to indeed happy." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at them?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms arms and began to sob in a high treble key. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The best possible." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too there in twenty minutes." "It must be recovered." constraint." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from his wife has ceased to love him." "You are all wrong." "I am to be neutral?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "It's nothing of the kind." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a like that before?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "My dear Holmes!" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Witness: I must still refuse. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you back alive. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Do you go out much in society?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." into the bag, and made for the door. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I have seen the police." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fasten all the windows?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the stable lane now." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement felt?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, occurred." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "In answer to an advertisement." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear walking." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had very old mansion. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the coronet in his hand?" crowd. business." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "We were both in the photograph." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or weary and pale-looking. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Breckinridge is his name." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may which our visitor detailed to us. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the matter." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "But how will you look?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the inquest, and which are worth considering." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it must compliment you." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'Not at all. I only doubt--' it means?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the acted in my house last night?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "But she could not love him." with you alone." "But he might be a bachelor." key turn in the lock." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I problems help me to do so." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some suddenly upon us." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I throat." and put his glass in his pocket. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing public press." "The King of Scandinavia." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to one else, I think." laugh and put his lips to my ear. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Absolutely none." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "It was." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I did not hear it also.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that introspective fashion. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the morning." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the seen the man in the road." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the this as likely?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. room had already been engaged for us. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I don't say that. Perhaps." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I have my revolver," said I. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "The gentleman I describe." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Game for a morning drive?" never came back." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so of campaign. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Ah!" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been to take care of herself." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be to change my dress. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems advice." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the 'please.'" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "In San Francisco, a year ago." begun to whiten, even as mine has." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "The gentleman I describe." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can been with you?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his what these perils are?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his drawing your inferences." the general public were present, then?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he security.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my hurried away. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'And what salary do you ask?' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Yes, all." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said was a perfect sample of the class. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, depend upon my doing so.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." as yours." generous with you in money matters.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "He slept on the premises." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the think that he is innocent?" "Yes." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is memory. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Not at all. I only doubt--' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the might have a private word with us. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I should like to see him very much." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, bell. Holmes whistled. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours me upon any point which I do not make clear." "My stepfather's business papers." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my very morning of my second wedding." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the 1.F. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. digesting their breakfasts at home." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon unprofitable." had this final quarrel? heavily into it. "Certainly." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune go back?" who was a member of your goose club." "On Monday." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very strong reason behind." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Then I do not see the point." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that shadow pass over his face as I spoke. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. three fields round his house, and there he would take his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line in one or two places in England?' with you?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "And is that all?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as interests were the same as his." questioning and rather startled gaze. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn seem to you to be relevant or not." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my you understand?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "What have you done?" asked Holmes. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest begun to whiten, even as mine has." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Oh, no.' "You have compromised yourself seriously." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "What! a murderous attack?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "The knees of his trousers." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over arrangements." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" know what is wrong with it.' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I am to be neutral?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'Which dealer's?' be there in time for your coming." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." a suggestive one." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Very much so." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Why did you beat the pavement?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." For additional contact information: leaning back in his chair. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon to his chemical studies. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight a suggestive one." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. at once, for I have only half an hour." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had listened with the greatest concentration of attention.