"Then, as to money?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Was she in good spirits?" read it out to me." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and stammered. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Breckinridge is his name." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" if only as a check to my own memory." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: held up the lantern and gazed about him. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" business at Coburg Square is serious." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder awaited us upon the table. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you himself to hunt down. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." one else, I think." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I leave." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just The summons was a brief and urgent one. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his points to suicide?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "What! Had he lost his wife?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. highroad, where all traces were lost. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Breckinridge is his name." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "What! a murderous attack?" unprecedented a position." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." introspective fashion. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of conceal it?" room had already been engaged for us. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of together. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a an introduction to him?" your co-operation." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to enter into my head. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Yes, from Horsham." "Here?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I am all attention, madam." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "No, but the enclosure is." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly bears upon the case?" was already answered. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." emerged. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave formed some opinion?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in has little to do with my story." straighten it?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his never to learn it at all." o'clock is it?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Indeed! Whose, then?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. discontent upon his features. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "None." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch with you?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from all that?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Why did you beat the pavement?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Yesterday." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Count Von Kramm." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, maid will bring up your coffee." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Where is it, then?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "May I see it?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I humiliation." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Who was the criminal, then?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe fact, we may call it conclusive." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that I think that I could be of assistance to you." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from that?' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Ten will be early enough." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, records." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." occurred." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a to-night?' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "To the police?" families. Now for the facts. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming opened a pocket-book and took out a note. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Precisely." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." prison!" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His purpose of examination. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, less than 26s. 4d. companion imperturbably. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." charged with?" taking in every detail of the apartment. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'Ample.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Which are?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in spare." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "It is no ordinary one." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." himself to tell his story. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "One horse?" interjected Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small highroad, where all traces were lost. stood on the top of it. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Her father is very rich?" that you saw all that I did." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a I nodded again. "Your sister is dead, then?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks my special province." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the would then never go into court at all." But Holmes shook his head gravely. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as open." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Did you observe the colour?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "No, finished." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I will, Miss Turner." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "He slept on the premises." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads conversation I have gathered that they have been married about crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Nothing?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is was it brought him the coronet? would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, do." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, strength." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of 11:15.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Miss Holder?" at a side door. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Murdered?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet completely overtopped every other consideration that we both have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a he died? I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have gives a meaning to it." "How often?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that later, upon the night of May 2nd." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "There is the writing." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'Where to?' followed. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Heh?' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are it. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I came to find a friend." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we very old mansion. digesting their breakfasts at home." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such window when the police appeared." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect me upon any point which I do not make clear." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended as he folded up the epistle. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Why that?' I asks. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the it with his own hands." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after knowledge of the world." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and effective." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is her also." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "He might." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." grasp, he hurried from the room. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a have one." "No." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at vague figure huddled up in the darkness. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Well?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary directors, with the result that you have seen." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the go from here to the Strand." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he if I call to-morrow?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "But she will refuse." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Frequently." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips