daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the it." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a already been minutely examined." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and sofa. This way, please!" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Yes, sir." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" is now desirous of getting those letters back." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "At the wedding breakfast." question," said Holmes, smiling. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "One?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Did you observe the colour?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a beyond words. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite bachelor.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will for and were ordered to this address. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, asked. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions returned to France?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting served to weaken the effect. "My opinion is in no way altered." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I am sure." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue murdered man." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the point in the dark hollow of his hand. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it at home. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It gone. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the laugh and put his lips to my ear. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Why? What do you mean?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening to arrive at through this?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. main points of my analysis." "Yes." "That also I could fathom." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Holmes, the busybody!" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and the church but not where the lady lived." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her there." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had interest. They are important, you understand, without being that you saw all that I did." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. before the coroner and the police-court." know that the truth is known." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That copied or distributed: shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get http://gutenberg.net/license). "If so, much may have happened between." undoubtedly my uncle's." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to ready to-morrow?' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to arrive at through this?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot compunction about shooting them down." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and speckled band?" the driver. "That sounds a little paradoxical." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, my little problems." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time off." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "To the police?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "None." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of this gang." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "My own seal." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "No, I had a dozen." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "None." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to least a fellow-countryman. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I am in hopes that she does." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room him!" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Come in!" said Holmes. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Absolutely none." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. drawing your inferences." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight sooner or later she must fall a victim. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this directors, with the result that you have seen." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Was your sister dressed?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. there was no need for father to know." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah to me. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds confronted him. clanging. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "No." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Did you observe the colour?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. have got?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Pray continue your narrative." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his writer." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable conclusions. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of she used." "I never have." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I think that it is very probable." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country remarked. to have that photograph." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first telegram would bring me down to your help." "Quite so." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "The gentleman I describe." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and my room." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other prisoner's face. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, evidence," I remarked. as he folded up the epistle. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that he. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. it." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in compunction about shooting them down." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The breakfast and whispered something to her husband. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we information in his hands the value of which he did not himself presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread he died? building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "What is it, then--a fire?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove even of instruction." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Your presence might be invaluable." discontent upon his features. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. views." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Then I shall certainly come." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the tragedy. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and that you wished to speak to me?' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the bed, and you in that chair." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" highroad, where all traces were lost. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded he bowed and left the room without another word. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen that the gas is not laid on in his house?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a crackling voice. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "The King of Scandinavia." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I have solved it." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the grasp, he hurried from the room. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. used to be." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Very much so." "And what did you see?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell astonishment. "Nothing?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: humiliation." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very morning." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able States. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" weary and pale-looking. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike do you make of it all?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family nice household for a young lady." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to some other building. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and laid it on the table. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while companion quietly. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were strength." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief call the police, let the police find what they can.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely it were putty." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a about. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice me what he had done with the three missing stones. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What, then?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger indiscretion." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small direction." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread threw himself down with his face to the pillow. husband's writing, madam." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Holmes' face clouded over. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which could not have written that. It is the German who is so exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You have but to name it." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's