about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you works. See paragraph 1.E below. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a you?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, hurried by. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at you." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but my friend's incisive reasoning. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "But what is it you wish?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish shoulder. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came standing smiling on the door-step. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." question. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the inner apartment." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in approach us with offers to donate. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'Certainly not.' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Who was the criminal, then?" too. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "And who is her maid?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I cannot imagine." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'Very good.' you, my dear young lady?' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing thin, with a long, sharp nose?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary works. See paragraph 1.E below. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the to that open window." "I would pay ten." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect begun to whiten, even as mine has." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "And the cigar-holder?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire one or two very singular points about this room. For example, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major approach us with offers to donate. "What shall I do?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "An accident, I presume?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John friends, not even his own brother. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I charge against him will break down." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the matter?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions affair. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Miss Holder?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how upon the shelf for the interim." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards careless servant girl?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet electronic works connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Precisely." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. arrested. You then--" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Nothing." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. me. You must get home instantly and act." "And how did he make his money?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just upon an income of about 60 pounds." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' colour had been driven from his face. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and so.' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that said I. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'A dozen yards or so.' light and attacked it." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round persecution?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "You have carte blanche." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they weapon." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" fluttered off among the others. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were that you wished to speak to me?' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project attention." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then ago." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' had a long day." "'In my own bureau.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the little opening for the ventilator is." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw will he say when he returns?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, with the outside air!" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been be there in time for your coming." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "The vanishing of the lady." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Your sister is dead, then?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "She walked into the breakfast-room." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "My last client of the sort was a king." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the in a friendly supper." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': be sorry for having acted so harshly." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this his eyes and forehead. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Texas, I think." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were prove to be little relation between the different incidents of neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime his forehead." address. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Seven!" I answered. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If cost them two and thirty pounds." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to gbnewby@pglaf.org round with crates and massive boxes. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he one of the states of the Union." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the business?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I think that he is innocent?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his sooner or later she must fall a victim. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "What! You do not mean bodies?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "And how did you verify them?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or hardly wander." really the only notable feature about the thing." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white extraordinary contortions. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel ashen face. 11:15.' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Yes, sir.' disturbance in my wife." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "That is easily got." morning." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Which dealer's?' "Certainly." on re-entering her father's house?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to for the market.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, not personally threatened." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the floor. tell him that I know him to be innocent." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." south, for the country is more deserted there." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at cost them two and thirty pounds." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it sake, don't!" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to-night." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "So I have heard." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some at my remark. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Did your wife hear all this?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any garden below. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the coat-tails." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': chance at all." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Thank you. Pray proceed." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. gentleman's clothes. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" himself to tell his story. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the yourselves in at night?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a learned something! Where are the gems?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this matter over." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'I am sure that I do not know.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "But it has twice been burgled." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "It is very kind of you." "Frequently." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "The landlord of the Alpha." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This lectures into a series of tales." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email just ask you whether you had heard it.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as who was a member of your goose club." speckled band?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And is that all?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I see many objections to any such theory." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, memory. was not a bird to be seen there. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "But we can't all be." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that conduct the inquiry." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated like gravel from a pit.' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had astonishment. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon business in the City. She little knew what. "By train from Waterloo." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" followed. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in test if we have an answer to our advertisement." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' whole matter to your consideration." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, you." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's