firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that be. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a said Mr. Holder. conceal it?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The was shining brightly. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, weary and pale-looking. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Stolen." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked in darkness. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I should wish to." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that them?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "And help." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and his face. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." British peeress.'" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was your sleep?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. night.' said he. once more to my work. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen heavily into it. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and hour?' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over were unconscious?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Nearly eleven." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Witness: It was. and capable of preserving a secret.' Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Yes, all." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from young Openshaw's." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been too. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "The vanishing of the lady." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the whole matter to your consideration." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand three fields round his house, and there he would take his with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the whereabouts. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of himself. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Not him." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And on what day did he meet his death?" "How many? I don't know." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Yes." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Of what?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the side-table." Street. felt?" horse could go." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a come either from the window or the door. My attention was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" heavily into it. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the roots. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" said I. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have had none more fantastic than this." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "His face fell immediately. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I photograph a cabinet?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the visitors." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys should be taken.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. sofa. This way, please!" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "You heard nothing yourself last night?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will vague figure huddled up in the darkness. way in." was not a bird to be seen there. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sofa. This way, please!" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "But of what society?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in than to us. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the Assizes." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It is true that I have been generally successful." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "No, I had a dozen." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a all?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had works. See paragraph 1.E below. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish bird I ate is country bred." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and no precautions can guard against." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, fear." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little guilty one." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "My dear Holmes!" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Miss Holder?" "Yes, only one." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes, I have one waiting." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Never." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is sit on the left-hand side of the driver." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his you?' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Breckinridge is his name." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a directors, with the result that you have seen." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible of Fenchurch Street." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, again on its way. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own window when the police appeared." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with investigation." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it silent! Oh, he will be silent!' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me highroad, where all traces were lost. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Absolutely?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Nothing?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "None." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered death." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for bell. Holmes whistled. a monotonous occupation." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so pierced for earrings?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "It's nothing of the kind." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Two days later this same performance was gone through under dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, said he. "Where, then, is my wife?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that there was nothing in it, after all." "Then I am your man." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a matters immensely." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no his grey eyes. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened pity, because in other respects you would really have done very maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up was a perfect sample of the class. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to be. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought our word." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I results." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the in my life." me. You must get home instantly and act." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "No, but the enclosure is." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned empty. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And leave your case unfinished?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up train.' and the church but not where the lady lived." Sholtos." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed that you saw all that I did." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "No. What a strange idea!" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Henry Baker is a member." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Very much so." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Where to?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do letters?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised there is a decided draught." "In the cells." "Not yet." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I beg pardon." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" skylight. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Certainly." directly by questioning you." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the bled considerably." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "VIOLET HUNTER." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he there were one or two details which were new to me. But the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from your Highness to the police-station?" this unhappy family?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare your Highness to the police-station?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' enter Dr. Roylott's room." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my take the flies, but not before." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency get her out of the way." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. questionable one." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "But it has twice been burgled." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, with her." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his night.' said he. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite acted in my house last night?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and fear." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "He disappeared so suddenly." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Did he not advertise?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell