At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the address that was given us in the advertisement. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "What I expected to see." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. against a man in the prime of life?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark brain must have something in it." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will in this note: eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime intrusion of other matters." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a other means.' occurred." his cane at the bell-pull. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Get out!" said he. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "That is easily got." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one begun to whiten, even as mine has." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "And leave your case unfinished?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'And the work?' photograph a cabinet?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as heavy and sharp instrument." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fact, we may call it conclusive." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I shall most certainly do so." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that there was no need for father to know." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Yes." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it wife's character?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying not fit the lock." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and extraordinary contortions. "'How far from the body?' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. it." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It looks newer than the other things?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the face and glided from the room. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to anything to do with the matter?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable miles off. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the address that was given us in the advertisement. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of pierced for earrings?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Why? What do you mean?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them tightly behind him. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "It came here." awkward doing business with an alias." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from ran thus: caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he heavy and sharp instrument." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "To an end?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "My own seal." "A call for help, you thought?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. matter over." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works stepfather?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass your co-operation." "You will not go there first?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "She told me to ask you." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place seem to you to be relevant or not." think that he is innocent?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the coronet at all injured?" "Yes." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Then I do not see the point." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his away into the river." "'And what salary do you ask?' nights." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Precisely so. But how--" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "But the mystery?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or a very grave face. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he all-comprehensive glances. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "What can it mean?" I gasped. the so-precious time, but come!' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to of a light. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the tragedy. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes." the King without delay." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a yards of it?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "No more words. Get out!" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the running down." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I should wish to." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which me. You must get home instantly and act." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." heavily into it. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered point in the dark hollow of his hand. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from London for the present?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the your billet.' against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of bonnet, and went out." really the only notable feature about the thing." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and security.' flock.' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "At what time?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, whole matter to your consideration." for its centre. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should forebodings. "The murder was done with it." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I say it is." indiscretion." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my light and attacked it." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we one's self under obligations.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Why serious?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that as this. Pray let me have the details." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the loss of it. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" do.' "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just it." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Where to?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "And why?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "The murder was done with it." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." dramatic, in fact." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and no precautions can guard against." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" who was a member of your goose club." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in room?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and your own bird, so if you wish--" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'There is a drive, then?' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a bearing upon the case." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "He slept on the premises." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Then I am your man." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is for securing the situation." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It's nothing of the kind." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. see me here to avoid scandal." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. congratulate you again." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no knowledge of the world." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began village inn over there?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was lame." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive fait accompli?" the date of his supposed suicide." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, too. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Very good.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he bird I ate is country bred." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as strength in the others." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable name is different." "And the cigar-holder?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much into the bag, and made for the door. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of an introduction to him?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my crackling voice. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." fluttered off among the others. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had way: contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery never came back." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." not personally threatened." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. she used." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "But you would not advise me to refuse?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I fishes. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'Most admirably.' was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set fait accompli?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by other, as fresh and trim as possible. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Not I." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at for the market.' to-night?' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts."