permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself easy-going way." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, to-night?" I asked. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at gigantic client. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public heavy and sharp instrument." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "He said too much." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. once more for Briony Lodge. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a see a sister of mine apply for." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "None." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Yes, it was gone.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Pope's Court. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "That is possible." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "What! a murderous attack?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'Never,' said I. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of vault. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? case before our client came into the room." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined if I call to-morrow?" like that before?" ran thus: kindly on the shoulder. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. fatally injured? "I am to be neutral?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came records." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the you?' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Stolen." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "We must have a cab." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, only one." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "And how in the world did you find them?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is his face. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "And your mother is alive?" Mrs. Toller serenely. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." easy-going way." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "No." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. from you?" wedding?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the never will be, entirely cleared up. London for the present?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "What?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax is acting for the best. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and papers." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Was he the only applicant?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera forecastle of an emigrant ship. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be developed." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a was keenly on my guard against him. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; upon an income of about 60 pounds." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, undoubtedly my uncle's." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the way in." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some you?' it." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then which was all perfectly true. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. that?' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Dark enough and sinister enough." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "He is dead," cried several voices. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he quickly through a disagreeable task. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and it need not interfere very much with one's other strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Dr. Gregory B. Newby hardly wander." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will crime. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things attention." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the What do you deduce from it?" them, and came down just as you departed. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I say that I have solved it." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Very truly yours, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Do you know him?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, sufficient punishment." outside. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Edgeware Road. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "On Monday." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very cup of tea. with frightened eyes at his accuser. cheerful." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Pool. highly," said Holmes. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire fait accompli?" habit of advancing money.' bonnet, and went out." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called guilty one." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "No more words. Get out!" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Farm upon the left." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Have you her photograph?" My friend smiled. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may girl said." "Your French gold?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to fire. You quite follow me?" photograph?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. peculiar to him. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the have established a very serious case against the son of the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Where to?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It is possible." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Yesterday." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up or in danger--" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in bird of prey. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel respectable self." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six investigation." galvanised. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Imitated." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news call you and give you the chance." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "What shall I do?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "They are typewritten," I remarked. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Certainly." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon to surprise her." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is south, for the country is more deserted there." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to are, I think, all that we need." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "No, I am descending." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into plantation.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was grasp, he hurried from the room. he. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and bare slabs of marble. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a feature." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'What then?' I asked. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Breckinridge is his name." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "And leave your case unfinished?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted more terrible than the truth.