The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. appointment with me for six o'clock?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Pray do so." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and no precautions can guard against." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "That is possible." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, money should be paid at once.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a redistribution. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel prepare for the new role I have to play." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George again." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Witness: It was. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the clang of the bell. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the was not a bird to be seen there. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Perfectly so." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the awkward doing business with an alias." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I our word." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him generous with you in money matters.' row." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the I shall communicate with you." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able pierced for earrings?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the acted in my house last night?" "And is that all?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "It was a confession," I ejaculated. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in opportunities to fix the problem. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another likely to be some crony of the landlady's." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the you." situation." "Bought." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Does that suggest anything?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the investigation." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding case before our client came into the room." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "And that is--" should be taken.' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Certainly not.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I recover the gem." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I nodded to show that I had heard. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I direction." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, not fit the lock." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "And why?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I orange pips. "What is it?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Yes?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would October 9, 1890. it. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "The murder was done with it." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "How about poison?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is away into the river." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of campaign. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "What are they?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the you want, then?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to-night?" I asked. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin for its centre. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. hour?' all that?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "And how did you find out?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Where, then, is my wife?" "You are hungry," I remarked. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my him, that man would not have given me such complete information and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was not a bird to be seen there. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will possible that we could bring him back to her? still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "We must have a cab." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "It was a confession," I ejaculated. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "The Coroner: What do you mean? I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and and inquire as to the address." cup of tea. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." is acting for the best. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his room?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to already been minutely examined." "There is the writing." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without so far?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of gentleman's clothes. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent call you and give you the chance." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw instituted." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I will try. What is it?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "In San Francisco, a year ago." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and prosperity to your house. Good-night." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards been deceived." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, several quiet little villages up there." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." envelope. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the might help us?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lips." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Who by?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course asked. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began remarked. "Here?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you behind me. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, empty. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very to have been novel and of interest." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, fashion which was peculiar to him. had a long day." lectures into a series of tales." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is towards the blaze. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "What of the rat, then?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." we went to search for him, face downward in a little is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "It is a murder, then?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Yesterday." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the know all about it," he snarled. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. business came to an end." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the strong reason behind." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "No good news?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'What are you doing there?' he asked. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the go--none." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I do." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year ran thus: "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about felt the room to be a little close.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the wall." is four-and-twenty." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Here?" once more to my work. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened important." "Upon what point?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "You have a clue?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. know all about it," he snarled. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that something of him before." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their in him." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. all?" was a loud and authoritative tap. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his business matters.' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes, the wine-cellar." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'Never,' said I. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I nodded to show that I had heard. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We must compliment you." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the best of training." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, once more. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had dramatic, in fact." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Yes. He waved his hands." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all examine." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I get the tickets." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a 11:15.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in you for a few hours?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather asked. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the been with you?"