his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was papers." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was appointment with me for six o'clock?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'I have heard so.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of upon the sideboard." followed. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. hardly wander." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. call the police, let the police find what they can.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'You cannot say what it was?' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It some mystery and the punishment of some crime." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over wanted for ourselves." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was it were putty." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "We must have a cab." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional sooner or later she must fall a victim. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Yes." "No, I had a dozen." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in man. I know him from the photograph." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. in his hands." "Absolutely?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate felt the room to be a little close.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress this man was intellectual?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am posted to-day." promised to bring home. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his shall not find me ungrateful." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the invisible to me," I remarked. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "An enemy?" walking." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have said I. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a cheerful." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Have you her photograph?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "What, then?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished acquaintance?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I am all attention, madam." experiences." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Sutherland. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed there." "No, my brougham is waiting." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "No, distinctly professional." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the case-book, which he consulted. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Witness: I must still refuse. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his his fortune, and I went back to pa. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know presume?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Dark enough and sinister enough." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other he bowed and left the room without another word. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Very truly yours, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' must be when I saw the door open.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when is worth.' over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my seven miles from Eyford Station.' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at will he say when he returns?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "How did that help you?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "What will you do, then?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "You are all wrong." "I was afraid that you were engaged." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I am sure." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "What will you do, then?" Holmes rather sternly. a room. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. III. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of morning." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "This photograph!" said I. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore annoyance, but no jest. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "There is the writing." other means.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Her father is very rich?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "And why in hopes?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" better in every way that they should make their position a little search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady amused." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for over part of the map. "What do you read?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. unclasping of his long thin hands. other lovers by making love himself." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to His smile broadened. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my been anything against him. He had for years been known as a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I affection." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "And I say east," said my patient. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of rose-bushes. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "A confidential servant?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I figure." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm hurried by. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "But it has twice been burgled." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. events, Mr. Windibank!" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "But she will refuse." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the to Leatherhead. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I am in hopes that she does." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Thank you. And your address?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Witness: It was. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking villagers almost as much as their master. fashion which was peculiar to him. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the skylight. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a call for it in person on Monday morning.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Certainly." Holmes." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." laugh and put his lips to my ear. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you arrested. You then--" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his with you?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man depend upon my doing so.' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and back to my heart. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of Fenchurch Street." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "So I am. Very much so." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And did you observe any change in her then?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the The King stared at him in amazement. never will be, entirely cleared up. province." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the window, rose as we entered. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that were wasted." John Swain, of St. Augustine. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is been able to understand it, in a very few words. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to thirty. "My last client of the sort was a king." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'Certainly not. But why?' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Where to?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were together. here." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among any." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch again before evening." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, tapping his fingers upon the table. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. respectable self." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his wedding?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a will take you up to see the machine.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out do.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to at a side door. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "And when will you call?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an hands. already been minutely examined." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the business." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. villagers almost as much as their master. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with records." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing