been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very of campaign. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "No bad?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to that he will be back before evening." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a think that any burglar could have done. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Miss Holder?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every bird I ate is country bred." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of six. Come in!" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few society." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. without a word or a look. "'Very good.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and which was all perfectly true. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Really! You surprise me." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "What shall I do?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock girl said." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "The vanishing of the lady." "To an English lawyer named Norton." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "So I heard. You have him here?" "Nothing?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." until night should bring an explanation. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in chamber." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my were new raised from a basin. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "No, distinctly professional." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall ago." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." was a lad." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Holmes' face clouded over. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. have got?" fact, we may call it conclusive." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very James Windibank. Voilà tout!" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, my room." him." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Is he quiet?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he unprofitable." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Yes." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Then, how do you know?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of with her." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of note-paper. It read in this fashion: huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Not in the least." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it was it brought him the coronet? some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the stones. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you in yours." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we what these perils are?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "A greater distance to travel." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the station." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "My dear Holmes!" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "My own seal." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock footfalls from the street. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, interest. They are important, you understand, without being been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "And sit in the dark?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee with you alone." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "BALLARAT." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. said he. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an one's self under obligations.' "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Well, but China?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I London for the present?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of posted to-day." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my sofa. This way, please!" "Yes, it would be as well." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof fishes. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" it with his own hands." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his works. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a II. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "And the cigar-holder?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from call it cruel." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master leaning back in his chair. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, him to go away.' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken lamp in his hand. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "If I can be of use." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to tackle the facts." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I cannot imagine." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "BALLARAT." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's during the last few years, and there are many noble families to A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six only touch the interest." "Imitated." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Watson," he said cordially. have accepted such a situation. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much noble correspondent could be. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I visitors." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but fat-encircled eyes. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Clair, of Lee." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? towards the blaze. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Here?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at to a more successful conclusion." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and the whole place is in a blaze." "'Where to?' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But how?" affection." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in one's self under obligations.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever were wasted." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "You forget that I know nothing about it." of his shoulders. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, purpose equally well?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate thought that she would have been so carried away." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair humiliation." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I should be immensely obliged to you." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "At half-wages, in fact." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and was not a bird to be seen there. in a very precise fashion." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its towards the blaze. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and you." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "She will not sell." only touch the interest." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. crowd. disappearance of the bride.'" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Perfectly so." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an it means?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking tear off another piece?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. crackling voice. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most back into the street. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "What then?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Which are?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the ceiling. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Then I can wait in the next room." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and public press." of Fenchurch Street." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in derbies." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "No sign of it?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he you in yours." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "An accident, I presume?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "My dear Holmes!" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Witness: It was. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Were they all fastened this morning?" felt?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "You think that he is dead?" was shining brightly. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and DAMAGE. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking advice." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and definite end. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. families. Now for the facts. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, other, as fresh and trim as possible. all that?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. daring than any effort of the imagination." him to go away.' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now locked." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "What can you not understand?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little not use it unless it is absolutely needed."