The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Yesterday." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. I have it here in my museum." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend young Openshaw's." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his cane at the bell-pull. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "You are all wrong." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "But your client--" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible colonel looking down at me. to-night." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Nothing." conclusions. "Then I am your man." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham you." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey is four-and-twenty." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "What! You do not mean bodies?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Where, then?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates to a more successful conclusion." them, and came down just as you departed. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the bottom.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor such person." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began get the tickets." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was interests were the same as his." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I cannot think." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal returned to France?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "No?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, business at Coburg Square is serious." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of money should be paid at once.' I. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have vault. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Mary, has deserted me." important." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower fuss that is made over them." presume?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Nothing." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor highroad, where all traces were lost. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Dirty?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "It came here." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Well, some hundreds of times." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to you." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the walking." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and suspect him." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of it with the greatest attention. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to discontent upon his features. address. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the inquest, and which are worth considering." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an anything to do with the matter?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was said he. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of notes," he said. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, said he. started for the Temple to see my husband. experiences." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would pictures, libraries, or plate. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. papers must be those that are destroyed.' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "How on earth--" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." what do you think they found in the pockets?" address. "No legal papers or certificates?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "One of the highest in England." "No bad?" any." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Was there a secret marriage?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I think that it is very probable." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'As governess?' shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and a shock of very red hair. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Eyford." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Yes." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg particular state visit http://pglaf.org could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something horse could go." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, within hail.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers crowd. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I more solid." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a had died away into the silence from which it rose. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of light and attacked it." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the reach." what these perils are?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the was a lad." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down new acquaintance to Baker Street. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" once more. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that you can jump it.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. before, for it was considerably after midnight. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "That is unusual in a young girl." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together that I am arrested." do you make of it all?" "That is it on the dressing-table." has little to do with my story." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his more terrible than the truth. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "He is dead," cried several voices. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "None." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good points in connection with it which never have been, and probably those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have delirious. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause drawing your inferences." "So I am. Very much so." purpose of examination. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one quick march!" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." or in danger--" who was a member of your goose club." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of him and tried to hold him back. "'Certainly,' I answered. me upon any point which I do not make clear." jewels which you have stolen?' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been in the hope of finding them." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect any more." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several been deceived." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is the running down." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to miss it." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I shall most certainly do so." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless putting in the horse. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began question," said Holmes, smiling. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. over with notes and figures. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Then the page we have seen--" "Well." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Is he quiet?" fat-encircled eyes. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet criminal. We have already had experience of such." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the coronet in his hand?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the do you make of it all?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Where to?' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or my secret was safe in his possession. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only thirty. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the arrested. You then--" I leave." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Precisely." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Precisely." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "When did she vanish, then?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "One horse?" interjected Holmes. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "What is it, then--a fire?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that there was no need for father to know." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look think you a quite exceptional woman." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "10th. John Swain cleared. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. me. You must get home instantly and act." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged roused himself from his reverie. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Cross for the Continent." the station." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out opened the door, and slipped through. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. villagers almost as much as their master. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and do." writer." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Dark enough and sinister enough." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of me what he had done with the three missing stones. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "What then?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "You have carte blanche." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy that he will be back before evening." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and no precautions can guard against." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country be best to do. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler get the tickets." "Yes?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should long narrative. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Miss Holder?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I shall most certainly do so." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at companion quietly. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" tell him that I know him to be innocent." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "We must have a cab." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "The doctor?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums."