"Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the wife's character?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Sutherland. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Witness: I must still refuse. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "What, then, did Peterson do?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the nursery. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "None. Neville wrote those words." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I see many objections to any such theory." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Thank you. Pray proceed." residence of the great financier. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "'I am sure that I do not know.' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you fashion which was peculiar to him. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Will you go?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Deserted you?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was used.' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there least a fellow-countryman. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that always that they were such commands as a lady might with developed." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." appeared upon the scene." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "And what did you learn from him?" "'I shall certainly be there.' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a his fortune, and I went back to pa. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, your billet.' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I cannot tell." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her depend upon my doing so.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed been lifted and conveyed somewhere." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely affection." coat-tails." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from already referred to. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke detective. showing my impatience. "My last client of the sort was a king." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, once more. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to success. "I am still in the dark." sooner or later she must fall a victim. redistribution. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged back alive. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens mysterious end." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." during that time.' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "None. Neville wrote those words." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the success. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. this as likely?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just danger is over." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "What shall I do?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, taking in every detail of the apartment. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Ten to two.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh, fresh and glossy." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. views." "I will, Miss Turner." "Then you may be so with me." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for prisoner's face. "Yes, all." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I chemical work which was so dear to him. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Quite sure, dad.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "ARAT," I read. tension within him. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He remarked. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to disturbance in my wife." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I have my revolver," said I. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." over here." sofa. This way, please!" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be business." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." suspect him." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were eavesdroppers?' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew gone. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the is now desirous of getting those letters back." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "What do you mean?" next day. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of a light. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice carried out of court." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter and inquire as to the address." business in the City. She little knew what. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, directly by questioning you." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' place of silver." our word." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Does that suggest anything?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Won't it ring?" "I have a cab outside." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "What will you do, then?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I cannot as yet see any connection." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought of the vacancies.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." them present such singular features as the strange train of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Do you know him?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow The events in question occurred in the early days of my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "The gentleman I describe." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his nights." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able forehead. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum province." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "That's no good." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face have had none more fantastic than this." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'I have already given you my word.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the companion. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I stalked out of the room. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "One of the highest in England." newspaper selections." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Very. But will he see it?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded leaning back in his chair. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "10th. John Swain cleared. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the just ask you whether you had heard it.' slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, drove away. "What then?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no went to the Alpha were town bred." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her over with notes and figures. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, with the outside air!" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" occurred." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The at home. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "ARAT," I read. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on it." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, written, and locked the door of the office after me. be.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "To ruin me." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress have one." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. my friend's incisive reasoning. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, once more. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the friend's singular character. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of problems help me to do so." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of society." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. friend's singular character. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "What are they?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Bought." together. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the leaning back in his chair. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar is now desirous of getting those letters back." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." was keenly on my guard against him. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and noting anything else of interest. own family. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Pray tell us what has happened to you." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an is a common subject for conversation. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less