is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I will not look." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "What then?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is shag which I had seen upon the previous night. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the chance at all." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan considering the formidable letters which were received by himself The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have of them has the shutters up.' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he vault. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of following enigmatical notices: "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Will you bet, then?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "But it has twice been burgled." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Won't it ring?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'Entirely.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of to his chemical studies. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign papers." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Not social, then?" "The murder was done with it." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord towards the blaze. "But how did you gain them?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, any." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Dr. Becher's." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Street. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the extraordinary contortions. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the devil!" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business out." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare ordinary clothes on?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "But his left-handedness." anything to do with the matter?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And now?" He raised his hand. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden had picked up in the wood. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "My own seal." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend returning from some small jollification and was making his way the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his face which made him a very different person to the round, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty may never be exposed to such a temptation." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat such attractions and accomplishments?' Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever of the one which your family is now devouring." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to colour had been driven from his face. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Countess of Morcar's?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. instincts rose up against that laugh. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away three fields round his house, and there he would take his upon an income of about 60 pounds." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the station." "How about poison?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Not particularly." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to are, I think, all that we need." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really these bleak autumnal evenings." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'I have heard so.' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "What are they?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are you do it in twenty minutes!' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and have this put in the evening papers." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." affair. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "But I have heard all that you have heard." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Cross for the Continent." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Stolen." "That also I could fathom." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has rooms." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Certainly." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the call the police, let the police find what they can.' perplexity from it to my illustrious client. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Yes." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I vanished into the darkness. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old know that the truth is known." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." him!" "And the cigar-holder?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass cheerful." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you way in." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to for its centre. morning." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. bonnet, and went out." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "You did not overhear what they said?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Surrey." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they mysterious end." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Again Holmes raved in the air. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we jewels which you have stolen?' as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The said I. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been breakfast?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "What! a murderous attack?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Stoke Moran?" said he. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible impression behind it as though a window had gently closed has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across populous neighbourhood." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "And why?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and glanced through. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his chill to my heart. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Yes. He waved his hands." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, obstinate." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. undoubtedly my uncle's." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the that I am arrested." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very coroner's jury." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Oh, fresh and glossy." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who leaning back in his chair. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to nothing with him." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." money should be paid at once.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you British peeress.'" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached soul! here is her carriage at the door." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue me. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Edgeware Road. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the little opening for the ventilator is." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own this poor creature." "Never to return." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have memory. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had my former friend and companion. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Where, then?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the even so self-evident a thing as that." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have most interesting one." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I don't believe it." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the chambers. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No, I had a dozen." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist better grown goose." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "What shall I do?" 1.F. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Why did you pick him?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his said Mr. Holder. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and for the market.' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey in his hands." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I to where he stood hid behind the curtain. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a weary and pale-looking. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a been." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "He said too much." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon think that he is innocent?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Of Friday, June 19th." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "He is still with you, I presume?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a became a certainty. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away.