sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down he. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was companion quietly. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and burst out into a roar of laughter. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I hurried by. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'As governess?' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose without a word or a look. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he father's place of business?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sufficient punishment." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. to have that photograph." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "No, I am descending." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I cannot imagine." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a room. tension within him. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. already referred to. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'Ten to two.' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. despair." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front open." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the true." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an an introduction to him?" them present such singular features as the strange train of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and all of them with the keenest interest. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop was not a bird to be seen there. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years away to you." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case forbidden door. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque The police have openly confessed that they can at present make shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and inquire as to the address." gigantic client. Clair, of Lee." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he point our research must commence, and we will begin it by were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of said I. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss indiscretion." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing my special province." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Dr. Becher's." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and it need not interfere very much with one's other "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used if I call to-morrow?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was noise which awoke you from your sleep?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been cheerful." Eyford at 11:15.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No. What a strange idea!" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "And why?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of to some other building. this Miss Turner." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I have it here in my museum." digesting their breakfasts at home." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in looking up at the numbers of the houses." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that case before our client came into the room." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating been able to understand it, in a very few words. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very through." "Ten will be early enough." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the ceiling. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." front of me. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the station." "And now?" He raised his hand. from the brougham. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of kind enough to tell me what I should do." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. used to be." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "But how?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I shall be delighted." other means.' better in every way that they should make their position a little PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE status with the IRS. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, of a light. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Count Von Kramm." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yes." you." "'I have already given you my word.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, strength in the others." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to change my dress. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I murdered man." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And you can do nothing until then?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my suggested at once that there must be a communication between the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the so-precious time, but come!' of a light. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And how in the world did you find them?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "But how did you gain them?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Deserted you?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the dangers which encompass me." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, were new raised from a basin. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Nothing." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "May I see it?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Then I shall certainly come." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common excitement. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and files of the old papers, following the future career of every which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "And Miss Sutherland?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you it." six. Come in!" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his intrusion of other matters." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining directors, with the result that you have seen." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. it. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, our word." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Certainly." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You horrify me!" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "My dear Holmes!" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the night.' hereditary King of Bohemia." "This photograph!" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen she used." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had taking in every detail of the apartment. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days could not account in any way for the presence of the missing and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban lids now and glanced across at his visitor. himself. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the bottom.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your sofa. This way, please!" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I have my revolver," said I. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Have you good authority for what you say?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hour?' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely until night should bring an explanation. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Again Holmes raved in the air. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our drawing your inferences." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Who was the criminal, then?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To from the brougham. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, you came in." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Have you it here?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured me. You must get home instantly and act." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw the address that was given us in the advertisement. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Stolen!' he cried. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "We must sit without light. He would see it through the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "None." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by to his chemical studies. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Here?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "You have compromised yourself seriously." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. foresight and the moral retrogression?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he must be when I saw the door open.' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hurried by. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be obstinate." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I visitors." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right politicians who had been sent down from the North. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his that?' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary