there." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very you in yours." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the Assizes." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Bought." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we locked. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Eh? What was that?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime your troubles." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But we can't all be." I have it here in my museum." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine IS in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I affair. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You desk. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Thank you. And your address?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the forebodings. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fasten all the windows?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Certainly, madam." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that shall not find me ungrateful." beg that you will break it off." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an one's self under obligations.' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking it? Did I buy the geese off you?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. woven round him. the bottom.' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I cannot imagine." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying simple cases which are so extremely difficult." in a very precise fashion." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" window when the police appeared." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. it. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Why did you beat the pavement?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the inquest, and which are worth considering." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "No, thank goodness, she did not." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "My dear Holmes!" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Where, then, is my wife?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "'Most admirably.' not come at once?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but bare slabs of marble. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "But the mystery?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Why, it's a dummy," said he. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "What have you to say now?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "My photograph." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Nothing." infinite languor in his face. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our figure." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "And you don't know his address?" bedroom door." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a copied or distributed: "It is a murder, then?" "Yes, sir." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There without a word or a look. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was opened a pocket-book and took out a note. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his me, and I could not think that his explanation of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new excitement. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he drove away. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Was she in good spirits?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was keenly on my guard against him. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that sneer upon his pale face. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'Quite sure, dad.' telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of must be when I saw the door open.' to-morrow." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle your co-operation." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was confronted him. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to-night?" I asked. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm tied." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler touch that coronet?' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and effective." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was used.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of absorbing." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "And why?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which for its centre. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to his chemical studies. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Then let me do so?' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Holmes rather sternly. "'And what salary do you ask?' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "And the cigar-holder?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the best of training." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last a very grave face. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the to-morrow." "But you were on a friendly footing?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the depend upon your compliance." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I leave." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some opened a pocket-book and took out a note. arrested. You then--" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Bought." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "In answer to an advertisement." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "To an end?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Then I do not see the point." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I before, for it was considerably after midnight. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, a suggestive one." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we investigation." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." jewels which you have stolen?' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., other means.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many crackling voice. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to-night." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I has little to do with my story." was it brought him the coronet? call for it in person on Monday morning.' "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Certainly." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her is now desirous of getting those letters back." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but could gather together that I was able to avert another public side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the thin legs towards the fire. said he. most interesting one." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the you in your example." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was meant." friend's singular character. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Entirely." "Yes. He waved his hands." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save in this note: "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "He is dead," cried several voices. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." man. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Nor running a chance of arrest?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at once, for I have only half an hour." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning meant." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ordinary clothes on?" unprecedented a position." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter other, as fresh and trim as possible. province." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. compunction about shooting them down." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his said he. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Yes." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Pray do so." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely