"On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and put his glass in his pocket. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can beg that you will break it off." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses cigars in the box." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Dirty?" spare." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. astonishment. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, strode off upon his way. business?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my mystery." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Ah!" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter looking up at the numbers of the houses." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was a suggestive one." congratulate you again." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard been able to understand it, in a very few words. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the date of his supposed suicide." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings this as likely?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went open." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some are windows in it, of course?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I held the little printed slip to the light. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the my friend's incisive reasoning. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it ventilator." cigars in their mouths. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a lamp in his hand. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your client, rising. "Imitated." upon a handsome competence. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the appointment with me for six o'clock?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and national property. I was determined that the law should have its lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the my secret was safe in his possession. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah not interfere, come what may. You understand?" present." "Stolen." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "You are hungry," I remarked. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'I have already given you my word.' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to room?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "No legal papers or certificates?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "You think so, too?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, ventilator." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but your billet.' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Deserted you?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards cigars in their mouths. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "You have a clue?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in anything to a woman, for she would have her way." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Will you bet, then?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to relief. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I carried out of court." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind 1.E.9. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "No, my brougham is waiting." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and with some details as to your case." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which asked. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, brandy and water within his reach. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Texas, I think." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Never.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," to affect your life." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. unprofitable." "The Coroner: What do you mean? fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary dear old homesteads?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Well, but China?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Where, indeed?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway John Swain, of St. Augustine. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "None." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their letters?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came instituted." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I have seen the police." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Where to?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'What are you doing there?' he asked. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "But I am all in the dark." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Was there a secret marriage?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Imitated." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the hereditary King of Bohemia." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Certainly,' I answered. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried passage and a tap at the door. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Ten will be early enough." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be you?' brought there to personate someone, and the real person is of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Ample.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "On your arm?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an I. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that you wished to speak to me?' "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper dates and names. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." these bleak autumnal evenings." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his made his money." coroner's jury." "I am about to be married." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the outside. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to Leatherhead. vault. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "And help." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "What! Had he lost his wife?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "What! a murderous attack?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in hair?' "'Certainly not.' for securing the situation." shall not find me ungrateful." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and crowd. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, good for you to do.' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I see no marks." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both burst out into a roar of laughter. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Deserted you?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to you." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I know where it is." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I was mad--insane." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "What?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the station." away to you." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing affection." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the occupations.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran II. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of once more to my work. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had said he, "my real name is James Ryder." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must was a loud and authoritative tap. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most writers could invent nothing more crude." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Countess of Morcar's?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Now, then, what's the last entry?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At criminal. We have already had experience of such." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you young Openshaw's." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your whereabouts. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that future lives." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose lost his Christmas dinner." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Yes, certainly." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little wife's character?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "We must have a cab." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the cigar and let me expound." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a light and attacked it." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several key of the affair now." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept directors, with the result that you have seen." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a