cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Come in!" said Holmes. "Not in the least." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. II. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a my special province." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were tell them apart.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by burst into a hearty fit of laughter. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes, I have one waiting." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is your co-operation." from you?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Was the window open?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of suddenly upon us." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Then I am your man." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Munro.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully or other trace. But how on earth--" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the note?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "This concluded the examination of the witness." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to you came in." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'Stolen!' he cried. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that persecution?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently must compliment you." unclasping of his long thin hands. for its centre. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "That is easily got." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, drove away. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "And Irene Adler?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The girl said." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Yes, sir." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his been with you?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the tragedy. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "You are hungry," I remarked. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, as yours." presented more singular features than that which was associated "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dates and names. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey particular state visit http://pglaf.org Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the have not had my rubber." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'Which dealer's?' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the best detective that ever lived. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It may not come to that," said Holmes. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in ways of our fellow-men." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account 11:15.' she might be summoned. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to straightened it out again. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some through." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the his face which made him a very different person to the round, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At questioning and rather startled gaze. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole your own bird, so if you wish--" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man case before our client came into the room." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss whether it answered to the description of any of their wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Bought." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their hard-headed British jury." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was them?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Then I shall certainly come." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself residence of the great financier. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Of what day?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple fatally injured? has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, criminal. We have already had experience of such." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize a very grave face. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker exactly what you advise." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but what these perils are?" Have you good authority for what you say?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then particular state visit http://pglaf.org believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the vanished into the darkness. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "My Mary? Impossible!" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "A call for help, you thought?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Was he the only applicant?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from quick march!" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "It was a confession," I ejaculated. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I am in hopes that she does." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I guessed as much." "Just look it up, then." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my you found me to-night--and running through the front room she have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser again, where I was soon asleep. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them late!' placed his cuttings. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in are, I think, all that we need." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in a little more before I quite committed myself. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and copied or distributed: the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over desk. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know daring than any effort of the imagination." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "She told me to ask you." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Entirely." said he at last. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable seven miles from Eyford Station.' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the bottom.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to soul! here is her carriage at the door." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'What are you doing there?' he asked. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with nothing with him." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. see a sister of mine apply for." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And when will you call?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not The note was undated, and without either signature or address. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow is four-and-twenty." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "It missed him, then?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "And how have you succeeded?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "On Monday." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a outside. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. front of me. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the general public were present, then?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire corner of the building. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. like gravel from a pit.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I cannot imagine." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. at once, for I have only half an hour." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Not in the least." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you came in." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy you?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the vault. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Heh?' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It whatever might befall. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest think you a quite exceptional woman." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." London for the present?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my where she found matters as described by the last witness. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I cannot tell." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Get out!" said he. "Dirty?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "She told me to ask you." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that States. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" of a light. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, of the way of danger. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point official police." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom