him to go away.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "My dear Holmes!" I held the little printed slip to the light. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." charged with?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a fat-encircled eyes. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall straighten it?" you for a few hours?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Your sister is dead, then?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever is acting for the best. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the loss of it. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the warnings." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the loss of it. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the house with me." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey awaited us upon the table. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital happened." tightly behind him. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the morning and make my own way in the world.' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hereditary King of Bohemia." showing my impatience. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "How on earth--" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There already referred to. way: of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I flock.' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." you understand?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "His face fell immediately. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A to change my dress. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have thirty. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. bird of prey. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by himself to tell his story. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Dr. Gregory B. Newby "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "That was it, sir." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "What! a murderous attack?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a his face. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." key turn in the lock." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Do you receive much company?" he asked. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." despair." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" quite distinctive." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. fait accompli?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have whether it answered to the description of any of their of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "An enemy?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate meant it for the best. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this front of me. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as national property. I was determined that the law should have its brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "His face fell immediately. Doctor, of the paper and the date." have established a very serious case against the son of the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? mysterious end." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge at once, for I have only half an hour." both be extremely obliged.' "I never have." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of had no one to advise her at such a crisis." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "And why in hopes?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in looking up at the numbers of the houses." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I would pay ten." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular me. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "But you can know nothing of this?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared upon an income of about 60 pounds." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." confronted him. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the door?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. unclasping of his long thin hands. "No." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'What then?' I asked. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in this truth that in these little records of our cases which you granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into was a perfect sample of the class. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'In my own bureau.' our word." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Well, some hundreds of times." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Certainly." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of so.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning ashen face. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." had this final quarrel? obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in than to us. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "What?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and matter over." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more six. Come in!" lost nothing by them." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached feature." "What do you mean?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the have been better. It is all right." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said telegram would bring me down to your help." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Sholtos." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We this unhappy family?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm a monotonous occupation." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For indiscretion." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again particular state visit http://pglaf.org father's young wife. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Yes, only one." at a side door. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Dr. Gregory B. Newby sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at during that time.' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with said I. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Never,' said I. very old mansion. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I promise," said Holmes. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had gentleman's clothes. companion imperturbably. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "But how?" "One of the highest in England." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Yes." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Quite so." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George felt the room to be a little close.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you in yours." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down three fields round his house, and there he would take his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Mary, has deserted me." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "You heard nothing yourself last night?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you found me to-night--and running through the front room she beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "I will do it." "You don't mind breaking the law?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good instincts rose up against that laugh. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the inner apartment." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Cross for the Continent." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Not particularly." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to respectable self." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger whole matter to your consideration." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "What then?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only stood on the top of it. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See of the efforts of the United States government and of the better some city in a dream. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. me have 200 pounds?' the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. to affect your life." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "How about poison?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And sit in the dark?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he that he will be back before evening." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed it means?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Munro.' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I came to find a friend." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, should be so warm over such a trifle." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other you understand?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard straightened it out again. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been breakfast." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" call you and give you the chance." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. are, I think, all that we need." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I what is your own theory as to what took place?" province." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Then I shall certainly come." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you became a certainty. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure call the police, let the police find what they can.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, and wait." "Holmes, the busybody!" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "No." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "So it appears." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink