as he remarks, very much against the son." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Oh, no.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices interests were the same as his." "It missed him, then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'Most admirably.' fled together." hurried by. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I should wish to." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I am in hopes that she does." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who detained." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own signal between you and your father? Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening is a common subject for conversation. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a appeal." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make matter." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, crime. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'A dozen yards or so.' forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the your co-operation." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I should be immensely obliged to you." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Nor running a chance of arrest?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "By no means." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said was feeling which was the fattest.' the general public were present, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "She showed me, as I told you she would." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself miles off. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I see no marks." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless again before evening." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Do you know him?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the inquest, and which are worth considering." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was lips." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Where, then?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "He is still with you, I presume?" "'A dozen yards or so.' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, were unconscious?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." definite end. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, over part of the map. "What do you read?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a new acquaintance to Baker Street. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'And the work?' connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring to have that photograph." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is room?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most imbecility!" he cried. the little opening for the ventilator is." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" already referred to. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Where, then?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I know where it is." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Then, as to money?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "And what did you learn from him?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' upon the white wrist. "Not social, then?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He trifles." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel morning." "What shall I do?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "In heaven's name, what for?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the should be so warm over such a trifle." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa comes from the middle window." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" stepfather?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." have got?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the indiscretion." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Perhaps I have." "Well?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "And the murderer?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' depend upon your compliance." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler own family. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project prison!" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'I am sure if I had known--' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "ARAT," I read. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the clang of the bell. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the there!' "Yes." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin who was a member of your goose club." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Very. But will he see it?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love present." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "And how in the world did you find them?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "That is unusual in a young girl." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Pray continue your narrative." "A call for help, you thought?" "But not more so than I to find you." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil signal between you and your father? just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "No bad?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY pierced for earrings?" not personally threatened." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But ran thus: "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Young McCarthy must be got off, however." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been enter Dr. Roylott's room." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no situation." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I as this. Pray let me have the details." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the devil!" "The knees of his trousers." visitors." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until other lovers by making love himself." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the morning and make my own way in the world.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, wedding?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of in his power. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From have been better. It is all right." "'Yes, sir.' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "It is a murder, then?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior writers could invent nothing more crude." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid have an American origin." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself a room. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step time." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, our word." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "From his hat?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "But to whom?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Chief Executive and Director since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction something of him before." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I without a word or a look. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the salesman. redistribution. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And leave your case unfinished?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we My friend smiled. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" like gravel from a pit.' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of mysterious business." skylight. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, make me his representative both with the servants and with the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the goes." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Deserted you?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim you." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting have accepted such a situation. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the night.' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for were wasted." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a your billet.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion answer." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "You have a clue?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "An enemy?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country residence of the great financier. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if good for you to do.' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the closing the door. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "That is it on the dressing-table." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a nonsense.' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a companion. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "And on what day did he meet his death?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "But who is he?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." whole matter to your consideration." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this indiscretion." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself go back?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his least a fellow-countryman. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the so far?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker voice. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. way in." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point his forehead." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Stolen, then." you." in darkness. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol?