"It looks newer than the other things?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Where, then?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you vague figure huddled up in the darkness. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. a suggestive one." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was you, my dear young lady?' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You have a clue?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the child." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that had died away into the silence from which it rose. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "What?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" crime." the little opening for the ventilator is." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while felt the room to be a little close.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." like that before?" me." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into she slowly sank and died without having recovered her herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could is," said he presently: Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "There is the writing." strode off upon his way. them?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' open." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Not yet." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Witness: I must still refuse. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I will try. What is it?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "He is still with you, I presume?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I so.' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle and laid it on the table. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. face and glided from the room. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'What, the red-headed man?' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Did he not advertise?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "My photograph." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable instituted." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the so-precious time, but come!' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" and wait." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by affection." sparkled upon his finger. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "And what did you see?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he see a sister of mine apply for." "Why? What do you mean?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases triumphant cloud from his cigarette. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my once more. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** correct than the official force." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "But how could you guess what the motive was?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic could gather together that I was able to avert another public brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "He might." "May I see it?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Street. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of should be so warm over such a trifle." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that what is your own theory as to what took place?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'Certainly not. But why?' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my drawing your inferences." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own you do it in twenty minutes!' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices recover the gem." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "But she could not love him." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which presented which may be striking and bizarre without being do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading strong reason behind." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Mrs. Toller serenely. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I bachelor.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted bled considerably." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Ten will be early enough." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the loss of it. I shall communicate with you." "'And the work?' so far?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Did you observe the colour?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "And your mother is alive?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "The rest you will leave in our hands." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "No." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Then you may entirely rely on me." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I cannot imagine." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with without a word or a look. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Yes." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which outside. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still returning from some small jollification and was making his way the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the as noiselessly as she had come. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "On Monday." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the lectures into a series of tales." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for discontent upon his features. Henry Baker is a member." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the McCarthy." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and effective." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! excitement. "Not him." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Have you it here?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet will be renamed. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have established a very serious case against the son of the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress people don't know." indeed happy." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered dramatic, in fact." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Certainly." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "My own seal." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I think that it is very probable." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a newspaper selections." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "One horse?" interjected Holmes. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue straighten it?" "Yes." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Dirty?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and father's place of business?" question. might help us?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "In what way?" asked Holmes. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the crime. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Yes, sir.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular outsides of the windows. "The gentleman I describe." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Witness: It was. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use from you?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "That was it, sir." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" official police." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the success. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob matters immensely." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other grasp, he hurried from the room. "Certainly." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and put his glass in his pocket. people in all walks of life. matter." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there death." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "If so, much may have happened between." Pool. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Ha! you find it so?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but front of the hall door has given its name to the place. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "That is unusual in a young girl." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the room while you explain this matter?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he three fields round his house, and there he would take his lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made purpose equally well?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes to talk it over. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of photograph?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I you, my dear young lady?' had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." or other trace. But how on earth--" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "When did she vanish, then?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before populous neighbourhood." "'How far from the body?' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm through." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I relief. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Very. But will he see it?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of disappearance of the bride.'" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he way in everything.