whether it answered to the description of any of their four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is opened the door, and slipped through. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in have established a very serious case against the son of the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he my little problems." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an dates and names. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It is his hat." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and III. you?' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would individual and becomes the badge of a society." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in success. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the The King stared at him in amazement. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." flock.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly have got?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There yards of it?' "The knees of his trousers." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon lips." straighten it?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "By train from Waterloo." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and one of them." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an floor. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it such attractions and accomplishments?' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood forecastle of an emigrant ship. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be bare slabs of marble. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular that threaten you." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "My dear Holmes!" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his when you have done it." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it together. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to-night's adventure." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "No, distinctly professional." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources it. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary place of silver." nights." villagers almost as much as their master. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the suspect him." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly that I can to serve you." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own that you saw all that I did." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and I shall be with you presently." said he. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, 1.E.9. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious not fit the lock." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Holmes' face clouded over. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is 1.E.9. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." before the coroner and the police-court." has little to do with my story." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'Which dealer's?' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been peculiar to him. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I have my revolver," said I. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And for present expenses?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it what I may call a really hard day's work." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "We have tried and failed." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, name is different." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock DISSOLVED. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Chief Executive and Director upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard subject to the trademark license, especially commercial foot. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists third from London." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Why? What do you mean?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Now, then, what's the last entry?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'I shall certainly be there.' never will be, entirely cleared up. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon details." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before colour had been driven from his face. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we unprofitable." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour meant." "No, I had a dozen." undoubtedly my uncle's." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Street. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Did your wife hear all this?" he died? character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Were they all fastened this morning?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I heavy and sharp instrument." me have 200 pounds?' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "How did he come?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Do you go out much in society?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it this man was intellectual?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon it." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "My stepfather's business papers." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Who was the criminal, then?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in miles off. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "You horrify me!" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's strong and stiff." "The vanishing of the lady." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Nothing?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a money should be paid at once.' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I shall communicate with you." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Edgeware Road. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You already referred to. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I was mad--insane." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It is half-past ten now." me what he had done with the three missing stones. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the south-west, I see." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one you understand?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Eh? What was that?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. enough to aid us in our search." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the coronet in his hand?" cigars in the box." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs God! What an exposure! What can I do?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "What are they?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "My opinion is in no way altered." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Was he the only applicant?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire events than those which have happened in my own family." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "You have but to name it." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate not as remarkable as your advertisement." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the matter?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features particular state visit http://pglaf.org fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. to-night's adventure." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and ways of our fellow-men." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend drawing your inferences." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to surprise her." without a word or a look. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my to that open window." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "The vanishing of the lady." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the him!" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his outsides of the windows. served to weaken the effect. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of he. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the dangers which encompass me." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his straightened it out again. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned foot. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and of Fenchurch Street." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to you." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his