Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is other lovers by making love himself." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that my friend's incisive reasoning. "It certainly sounds feasible." lamp. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, him and tried to hold him back. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Leadenhall Street--and--" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a already been minutely examined." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "A confidential servant?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." less than 26s. 4d. lips." notes," he said. before the coroner and the police-court." "None." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'Ten to two.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." house for five minutes.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman congenial hunt. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about not personally threatened." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "How did that help you?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "And when will you call?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic wanted for ourselves." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, is now desirous of getting those letters back." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been relief. do.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "So I heard. You have him here?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "And the murderer?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been maiden herself was most instructive." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of bled considerably." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did said he at last. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I allusion to a rat. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. was it brought him the coronet? "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Where, then, is my wife?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or made him keep the appointment." discontent upon his features. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Stolen." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the date of his supposed suicide." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be are, and they are waiting for us." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do writer." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Your sister is dead, then?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. in a very precise fashion." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "How long did she speak to this Alice?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Not in the least." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And Irene Adler?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his it right.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "When did she vanish, then?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it was shining brightly. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that details should find their way into the papers. Inspector England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of introspective fashion. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Upon what point?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "When did it break out?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Perhaps I have." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I and capable of preserving a secret.' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and all of them with the keenest interest. "You think that he is dead?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" excitement. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which been." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it him to be an active member of the medical profession." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Nearly eleven." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I see many objections to any such theory." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have that he has suffered." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Yes, all." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and no precautions can guard against." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, charge against him will break down." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a with frightened eyes at his accuser. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Yes.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst my little problems." "You are hungry," I remarked. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction careless servant girl?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "But his lameness?" pierced for earrings?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I fear not." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the his face. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a envelope. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking derbies." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague of receipt of the work. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in right! Sit down and let us talk it over." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Then, how do you know?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come few hundred pounds.' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a me. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But your client--" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Indeed! Whose, then?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this him to be an active member of the medical profession." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the one as in the other." "Yes." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, be. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "So I heard. You have him here?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And how did you find out?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window instituted." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Which surely he restored to their owner?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began she might be summoned. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." be best to do. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "VIOLET HUNTER." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey of the one which your family is now devouring." main points of my analysis." then?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we habit of advancing money.' Pool. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to me. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "And your mother is alive?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Never." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must his knees, staring into the fire. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I not within a twentieth part of the market price." "My opinion is in no way altered." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the had this final quarrel? "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "But how?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, but China?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great made his money." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already point in the dark hollow of his hand. "In answer to an advertisement." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I good-night and bustled off upon her way. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for I nodded to show that I had heard. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the matter." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'There is a drive, then?' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Yes, the wine-cellar." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. were new raised from a basin. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the south, for the country is more deserted there." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "She showed me, as I told you she would." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I should like to see him very much." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is was used.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have of receipt of the work. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian look upon these things in a different way." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the driver.