"'About the same.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, I have one waiting." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "May I see it?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, empty. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." standing smiling on the door-step. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you get her out of the way." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," down. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "He is dead," cried several voices. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that six. Come in!" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the maiden herself was most instructive." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I presented more singular features than that which was associated "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "But how will you look?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "How did you trace it, then?" "That is easily got." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether business?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "It surprised me." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the do.' reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I cannot think." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but house for five minutes.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between said I. disappearance of the bride.'" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk may have an influence upon European history." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Yes, at the mines." joking. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Was your sister dressed?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Why serious?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first you?' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'I have already given you my word.' "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." respectable self." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Murdered?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the was feeling which was the fattest.' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged a monotonous occupation." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and such person." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was I was concerned in it." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous companion. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you electronic works heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" union?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." ventilator." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "He said that you could solve anything." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "It is true that I have been generally successful." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important were new raised from a basin. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which gentleman's clothes. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. dates and names. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'No, I know no one in these parts.' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all without a word or a look. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the fat-encircled eyes. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "My Mary? Impossible!" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'I have already given you my word.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Proceed, then." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached his forehead." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged him and tried to hold him back. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Street. young Openshaw's." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "And from a noble client?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would get her out of the way." ashen face. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with guilty parties." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Where does the thing come from?' counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with spark where all is dark to me." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Dr. Becher's." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon writing, and yet I know it well." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this wedding?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "It certainly sounds feasible." "And how?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he dead, shall be safe with us." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw of this gang." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the King without delay." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" get the tickets." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune your own bird, so if you wish--" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "And I say east," said my patient. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH writers could invent nothing more crude." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the dangers which encompass me." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as lamp. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "The King of Scandinavia." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Yes." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "To ruin me." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Holmes. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes advice." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "And leave your case unfinished?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "To an English lawyer named Norton." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I never have." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I their singular warning or token before them when starting upon furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave 'please.'" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "What! a murderous attack?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was His name is Francis Prosper." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "One of the highest in England." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own quickly through a disagreeable task. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and do.' wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But the mystery?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through behind me. morning." which it had come upon my father." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it advice." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'I shall certainly be there.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Then I am your man." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Why did you pick him?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our I shall communicate with you." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, bell. Holmes whistled. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Again Holmes raved in the air. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with some details as to your case." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "So I have heard." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the thin legs towards the fire. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your events than those which have happened in my own family." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "To the police?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "No bad?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Ten to two.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a himself in a perplexing position. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Precisely." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined side. fluttered off among the others. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall you." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he bled considerably." way in." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond rat could hardly pass through." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four London for the present?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper corner of the building. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in his hands." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are maid will bring up your coffee."