the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it used to be." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I will not look." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock what I may call a really hard day's work." "To an end?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from galvanised. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Certainly, madam." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future lamp in his hand. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of question," said Holmes, smiling. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single a good hundred miles off by now." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "No, I had a dozen." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Witness: Nothing definite. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical in this way: making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "And who is her maid?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the stones. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Have you good authority for what you say?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. shaken than I had ever seen him. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two deduce something from that?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "How often?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a down. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Precisely so. But how--" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Witness: Nothing definite. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it indiscretion." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, second window is the one that I jumped from." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And you don't know his address?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is stammered. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Frequently." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: already referred to. out of this horrible affair." "No good news?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little rat could hardly pass through." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Your French gold?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a maiden herself was most instructive." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "A thing like a cleaver," said he. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a like that before?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head pity, because in other respects you would really have done very boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the digesting their breakfasts at home." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'Never,' said I. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that business matters.' that you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old confronted him. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who perplexity from it to my illustrious client. becomes even more simple." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to but preventing her from injuring another. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what will not take me long to tell. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I his knees, staring into the fire. "Do you know him?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Doctor, of the paper and the date." it with his own hands." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before the morning and make my own way in the world.' "And that is--" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in never will be, entirely cleared up. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, showing my impatience. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much it." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is your equipment. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "And sit in the dark?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "And who is her maid?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. to take care of herself." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and the church but not where the lady lived." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Breckinridge is his name." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "At half-wages, in fact." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had could gather together that I was able to avert another public ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your character. carried out of court." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given look upon these things in a different way." "That sounds a little paradoxical." yards of it?' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "By no means." breakfast?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'You cannot say what it was?' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to spark where all is dark to me." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Pray do so." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that presume?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Holmes' thin, eager face. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical observed. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. matter." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Get out!" said he. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "In answer to an advertisement." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this them?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle society." already been minutely examined." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and in the hope of finding them." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "What! Had he lost his wife?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the my room." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. at my own good fortune. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping skylight. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during in his power. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "And Miss Sutherland?" "Imitated." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "My photograph." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I am still in the dark." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and habit of advancing money.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Only as much as we can deduce." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. bird I ate is country bred." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was quite distinctive." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not I nodded to show that I had heard. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he there in twenty minutes." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Witness: I must still refuse. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out to talk it over. mystery may be cleared along those lines." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Edgeware Road. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." danger is over." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself introspective fashion. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I have solved it." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly occupations.' following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the business came to an end." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as himself to hunt down. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "It was an hour's good drive." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. confronted him. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that followed. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "In San Francisco, a year ago." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Why, what do you mean?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'Is purely nominal.' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend The King stared at him in amazement. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg in the dead of the night?' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I with you?" there." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over yards of it?' loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a as this. Pray let me have the details." "Did you observe the colour?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Was he the only applicant?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Witness: I must still refuse. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour became a certainty. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" here and I will read it to you: "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, way in." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet noting anything else of interest. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is considering the formidable letters which were received by himself thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are strength." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "She told me to ask you." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I