you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I cannot imagine." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, directly by questioning you." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a plantation.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, fuss that is made over them." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'Quite sure, dad.' about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; as yours." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "What! Had he lost his wife?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like question. Foundation how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I be.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "What then?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Young McCarthy must be got off, however." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, purpose equally well?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to take care of herself." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I say that I have solved it." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I beg pardon." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "That also I could fathom." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "What can you not understand?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps sit on the left-hand side of the driver." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I answered that I had not. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I any little problem which you may submit to me." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs residence of the great financier. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'Ten to two.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. mystery!" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." furiously. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Yes, sir." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Well." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Ample." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I think that I had better go, Holmes." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "He is still with you, I presume?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a despair." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel public press." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his to Leatherhead. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Ample." instituted." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the from the brougham. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "The gentleman I describe." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would straighten it?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I nodded again. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Miss Holder?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "But who is he?" "Then, as to money?" father's place of business?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King dramatic, in fact." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in certainly do as you advise." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding in a friendly supper." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt bare slabs of marble. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" crowd. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before that he has suffered." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every breakfast?" whatever might befall. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "What do you mean?" must be when I saw the door open.' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not woven round him. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught cup of tea. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Yes. He waved his hands." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I for and were ordered to this address. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for fact, we may call it conclusive." interests were the same as his." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such paper in the air. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was remarked. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off depend upon my doing so.' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "What! You do not mean bodies?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Pope's Court, Fleet Street." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I have my revolver," said I. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "And on what day did he meet his death?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. I leave." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of his eyes and forehead. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a article?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in for the market.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back without a word or a look. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Surrey." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'Where could I find him?' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more fire. You quite follow me?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to yet." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Then you may entirely rely on me." fluttered off among the others. a good hundred miles off by now." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "To an end?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" again before evening." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "And I to find an enemy." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely a good hundred miles off by now." "But you were on a friendly footing?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice some place of shelter and let the county police know what has acted in my house last night?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I have come for advice." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was that he has suffered." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Of what day?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the bed, and you in that chair." said Mr. Holder. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master points to suicide?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Certainly." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Not particularly." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Lee, in the county of Kent." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE bare slabs of marble. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the side-table." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "What of the rat, then?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. know what is wrong with it.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage not fit the lock." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been been able to understand it, in a very few words. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Certainly,' I answered. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, tear off another piece?' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate he. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon at my remark. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. should be so warm over such a trifle." "Your presence might be invaluable." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing might have a private word with us. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were one which it was hard to resist. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, call it cruel." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this It was close upon four before the door opened, and a evidence," I remarked. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just chamber." empty. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the coronet in his hands?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to me. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving light and attacked it." made his money." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to During two years I have had three consultations and one small advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed must compliment you." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as which we had just quitted. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' intrusion of other matters." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was past. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of must compliment you." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "By no means." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which more terrible than the truth. opened the door, and slipped through. "It surprised me." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled present strange and interesting features that it is no easy dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' murdered man." ourselves in the office." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "So I have heard." acted in my house last night?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Where, then, is my wife?" closely." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming be.' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. eat it." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Pray do so." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." was it brought him the coronet? his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple furiously. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Yes, but only for you and me." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "But what will you do?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me national property. I was determined that the law should have its "What! Had he lost his wife?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the ago." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for other, as fresh and trim as possible. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter