The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'Ample.' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves will find little credit to be gained out of this case." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said pound a week." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. know all about it," he snarled. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever thought that she would have been so carried away." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "He said that you could solve anything." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in more terrible than the truth. the best of training." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. will he say when he returns?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "And how?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted late!' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my felt?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had then?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to upon an income of about 60 pounds." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "No, but the enclosure is." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of allusion to a rat. "I am sure." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily your co-operation." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way who was a member of your goose club." husband's writing, madam." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." lamp in his hand. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the official police." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "There is the writing." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to forebodings. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The not personally threatened." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Yes, that is the Crown." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no hurried by. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Then how many are there?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the very morning of the wedding." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And you can do nothing until then?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "He might." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "That you are never beaten." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The joking. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Most admirably.' distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A yourselves in at night?" cup of tea. the coronet in his hands?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "What do you make of that, Watson?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew comes from the middle window." 1.E.9. "And when will you call?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Lestrade of Scotland Yard." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat less than 26s. 4d. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was cheerful." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'And the work?' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned will not take me long to tell. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that in his power. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to people don't know." 11:15.' His smile broadened. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to tapping his fingers upon the table. "A client, then?" said he. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Sutherland. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and views." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Only as much as we can deduce." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "What I expected to see." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of it with the greatest attention. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous there in twenty minutes." strong reason behind." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. know what is wrong with it.' your troubles." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "It was." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of is four-and-twenty." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small colour had been driven from his face. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that there was nothing in it, after all." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. You want to know what became of those geese?" business matters.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw for and were ordered to this address. "It is his hat." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Have you good authority for what you say?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Was the window open?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Why did you pick him?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "But I have heard all that you have heard." she to prove their authenticity?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. get the tickets." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Ah!" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to a light-house. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "It is very clear." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the warnings." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I ventilator." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "In what way?" asked Holmes. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Very truly yours, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "What can you not understand?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and all of them with the keenest interest. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her business at Coburg Square is serious." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the said he. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as young Openshaw's." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been very peculiar words of the dying woman?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, colour had been driven from his face. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I should wish to." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' criminal. We have already had experience of such." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Not him." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "What then?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be little trying to do so much typewriting?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you out of this horrible affair." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Very truly yours, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'Certainly not. But why?' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I do." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Where, then?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite thought that she would have been so carried away." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'Most admirably.' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of made him keep the appointment." "But I have heard all that you have heard." sneer upon his pale face. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "In San Francisco, a year ago." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of his shoulders. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "And what then?" families. Now for the facts. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Stoke Moran?" said he. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Have you her photograph?" "My dear Holmes!" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their relief. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from head. So long, then!" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." whole matter to your consideration." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and do." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which are, and they are waiting for us." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure together. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Street. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "A confidential servant?" read it out to me." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "If I can be of use." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I will, Miss Turner." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "It is possible." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Munro.' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You were travelling in the States?" it." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "In heaven's name, what for?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help