narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the situation." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." union?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' see a sister of mine apply for." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Yes." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and legal crime." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "You know me, then?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for have accepted such a situation. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, miles off. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to take care of herself." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Where did he live, then?" His smile broadened. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the side. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At intrusion of other matters." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free morning." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be morning." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, voice, changing her seat as requested. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I have solved it." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the of receipt of the work. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more The events in question occurred in the early days of my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Very much so." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the salesman. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the morning." II. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I leave." "Look there!" said he. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "You think that he is dead?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your that I may have something better before very many minutes are Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son test if we have an answer to our advertisement." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." bled considerably." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round never came back." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At copied or distributed: and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and inquire as to the address." business matters.' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the nursery. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a without a word or a look. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Bought." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been manager. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, again before evening." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of have been better. It is all right." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike that?' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram which our visitor detailed to us. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the south-west, I see." "I guessed as much." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have lost nothing by them." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily husband's writing, madam." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. exactly what you advise." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the electronic works 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Yes, sir." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and bill, which interests me deeply." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting look dissatisfied." enter Dr. Roylott's room." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really ordinary clothes on?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "You think that he is dead?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a my room." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I gone. which it had come upon my father." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the night.' may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical look dissatisfied." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, morning." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he telegram would bring me down to your help." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt been anything against him. He had for years been known as a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing ashen face. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to existence." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was business at Coburg Square is serious." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my entirely devoid of interest." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Pool. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, this unhappy family?" situation." leave you to your papers for a little." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But I am all in the dark." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'I have already given you my word.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "None." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the II. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in him." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I am in hopes that she does." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not is now desirous of getting those letters back." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Then you may entirely rely on me." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness companion quietly. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our front of me. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided business." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and It may be so in this case, also." himself to tell his story. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square records." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and appeared upon the scene." "On Monday." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. one's self under obligations.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe furiously. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If someone who had been in Australia." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "It is possible." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young at once, for I have only half an hour." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only it right.' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Did you become engaged then?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Nothing?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his it." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and tied." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind other lovers by making love himself." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat leave you to your papers for a little." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. gigantic client. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than interested in these little problems, and since you are good reach." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Nothing?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after peculiar to him. the salesman. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my do." been shamefully used." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may case-book, which he consulted. "Her father is very rich?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own room. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I should like to see him very much." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the window, rose as we entered. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey suspect him." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Certainly, madam." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have jewels which you have stolen?' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Here?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's you." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." open." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "What will you say?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I cannot as yet see any connection." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy introspective fashion. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, with you?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Then I shall certainly come." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. clang of the bell. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are mystery!" "No." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be lamp in his hand. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the success. "I beg pardon." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert