kindly on the shoulder. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "What! a murderous attack?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "What will you do, then?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Henry Baker is a member." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and have this put in the evening papers." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our weighed down with some great anxiety. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, felt?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and me. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." http://www.gutenberg.net On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell laugh and put his lips to my ear. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I soul! here is her carriage at the door." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "What! You do not mean bodies?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Leadenhall Street--and--" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my been." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "What is it?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can less than 26s. 4d. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been together. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "And you can do nothing until then?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he train from Paddington which would bring you there at about among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the morning and make my own way in the world.' "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at horse could go." "I say it is." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about and files of the old papers, following the future career of every that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three shag which I had seen upon the previous night. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had again before evening." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it? Did I buy the geese off you?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you once more to my work. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very ready to-morrow?' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong about here speaks of his kindness to him." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'Quite sure, dad.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped me, and I could not think that his explanation of the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Where, then, is my wife?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Doctor, of the paper and the date." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Yes.' in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. of your young ladies.' "'There is a drive, then?' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's had formerly been in part my own. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature train from Paddington which would bring you there at about say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Miss Holder?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "He is dead," cried several voices. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad point in the dark hollow of his hand. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 points to suicide?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be there was no need for father to know." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, States. success. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I vault. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Heh?' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "The King of Scandinavia." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the inner apartment." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. this man was intellectual?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Miss Holder?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Certainly, madam." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Why did you pick him?" correct than the official force." "And it is--" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat stood on the top of it. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that strange features which were associated with the two crimes which blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No legal papers or certificates?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were bird of prey. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." cigars in their mouths. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest amused." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, ventilator." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts on in his house." "I would give my fortune to have them back." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to take care of herself." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." jewels which you have stolen?' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never father's young wife. to change my dress. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that morning." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "And how did he make his money?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Nor running a chance of arrest?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and article?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. ventilator." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such points to suicide?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that public press." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Project Gutenberg-tm works. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Yesterday." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best that threaten you." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "What shall I do?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Pool. be. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "'I have heard so.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." results." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter him. felt?" "This photograph!" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of her also." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George October 9, 1890. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She approach us with offers to donate. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Yes, sir.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. appointment with me for six o'clock?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Pope's Court, Fleet Street." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Henry Baker is a member." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Very good.' to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "No." "To an English lawyer named Norton." client, rising. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of interested in these little problems, and since you are good have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such memory. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in easy-going way." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that you saw all that I did." to-morrow." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late been deceived." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few might have a private word with us. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "When did she vanish, then?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "When did she vanish, then?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an call it cruel." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." business came to an end." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. delirious. kind enough to tell me what I should do." is four-and-twenty." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Ample.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in October 9, 1890. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and effective." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Did he not advertise?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "On your arm?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf think you a quite exceptional woman." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "In heaven's name, what for?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'Yes, sir.' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in me." "And I to find an enemy." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "May I see it?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do individual and becomes the badge of a society." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin events, Mr. Windibank!" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, if only as a check to my own memory." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "It's nothing of the kind." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the general public were present, then?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was one's self under obligations.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "My own seal." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are instituted." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said approach us with offers to donate. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It's nothing of the kind." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of his shoulders. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me pictures, libraries, or plate. leave you to your papers for a little." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate asked. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "But what is it you wish?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I shall be delighted." the very morning of the wedding." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. think that any burglar could have done. the ceiling. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are to you." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding opened a pocket-book and took out a note. passage and a tap at the door. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been astonishment. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite