slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I cannot think." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But how did you gain them?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Holmes rather sternly. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. as this. Pray let me have the details." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do front of me. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' it. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other keep the flames under. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "When did she vanish, then?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "No." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Dark enough and sinister enough." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being neither fascinating nor artistic." "And now?" I asked. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "But you have hopes?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I think that I had better go, Holmes." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I some place of shelter and let the county police know what has one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in stood on the top of it. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Oh, yes, easily." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Lee, in the county of Kent." "No." of Mr. Rucastle's." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you The summons was a brief and urgent one. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." tell me that you intended to go into harness." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out during which he might have communicated with his friend the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little sake, don't!" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of Mr. Rucastle's." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Yes." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax direction." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off mystery." open." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past ways of our fellow-men." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' in this note: was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Your presence might be invaluable." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger of the efforts of the United States government and of the better over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "And what did you see?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand tear off another piece?' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true as the one I chose?' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only is," said he presently: "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought was a perfect sample of the class. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "He is dead," cried several voices. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Entirely." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was them?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ran thus: in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium burst out into a roar of laughter. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, think you a quite exceptional woman." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I closely." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous fattened it expressly for you.' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "It is very clear." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' opportunities to fix the problem. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'You cannot say what it was?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Pray continue your narrative." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and the church but not where the lady lived." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." definite end. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea not use it unless it is absolutely needed." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "And it is--" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. character. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. tightly behind him. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but lips." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Certainly." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I man. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the very morning of my second wedding." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this again, where I was soon asleep. fattened it expressly for you.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Deserted you?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, heavy and sharp instrument." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "There are none." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter with some details as to your case." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much This is what he says: eavesdroppers?' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Pray let us have it, for all that." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, fire. You quite follow me?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the salesman. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the again, where I was soon asleep. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR imbecility!" he cried. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the call you and give you the chance." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one business?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, it is a possible supposition." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I photograph?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "He might." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Game for a morning drive?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two since then to throw any light upon what became of him." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Have you her photograph?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. approach us with offers to donate. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Where to?" was keenly on my guard against him. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "And that is--" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such would apply.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Nothing." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "He is still with you, I presume?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "What have you done?" asked Holmes. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his out of this horrible affair." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Yes, they were peculiar boots." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came his face which made him a very different person to the round, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Get out!" said he. that you wished to speak to me?' official police." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the window, rose as we entered. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "What shall I do?" joking. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Come in!" said Holmes. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." business at Coburg Square is serious." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that introspective fashion. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your paper in the air. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Certainly." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was companion imperturbably. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every amused." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates power." the one as in the other." better grown goose." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned went to the Alpha were town bred." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "No, I think that I'll take it." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward emerged. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." or in danger--" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "No." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email woman." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the Assizes." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up companion. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I say it is." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where imbecility!" he cried. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow stammered. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove he bowed and left the room without another word. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your so.' a suggestive one." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "But I have heard all that you have heard." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "In heaven's name, what for?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the strength." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Was she in good spirits?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's of your young ladies.' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, round and wave him away like that.' presume?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. must compliment you." everything which you would wish to know." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Nothing?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, as this. Pray let me have the details." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was that?' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Nothing." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "It certainly sounds feasible." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "A client, then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in neither fascinating nor artistic." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong few hundred pounds.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "You were travelling in the States?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He