again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should photograph?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this kindly on the shoulder. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand bare slabs of marble. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something McCarthy." "'Yes, I promise.' said he. to Leatherhead. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "The vanishing of the lady." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons showing my impatience. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I fasten all the windows?" "Entirely." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a fattened it expressly for you.' fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Not yet." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "He is dead," cried several voices. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered exactly what you advise." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Yesterday." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible for and were ordered to this address. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if must compliment you." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being anything to do with the matter?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "My photograph." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." his face which made him a very different person to the round, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Very much so." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to done what I asked you, Jones?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Always." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." distinguish the words: roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Whose house is it?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my cigar and let me expound." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I locked. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap of the way of danger. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a my little problems." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting interested in these little problems, and since you are good narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my on in his house." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it congenial hunt. hereditary King of Bohemia." "No, I am descending." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hurried by. nonsense.' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down face and glided from the room. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed fattened it expressly for you.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates your Highness to the police-station?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Of what?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I morning." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not intrusion of other matters." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced when you have done it." "Here?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to Leatherhead. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been John Swain, of St. Augustine. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Where, then, is my wife?" "In the cells." astonishment. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For ran thus: was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I shall be delighted." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, come either from the window or the door. My attention was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Yes, it was twisted." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "It came here." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'Very good.' We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Street. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Miss Holder?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to business." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "But of what society?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "That is possible." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some locked. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are looking up at the numbers of the houses." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Your French gold?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I do." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the address that was given us in the advertisement. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. noble correspondent could be. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. such attractions and accomplishments?' "But you were on a friendly footing?" His smile broadened. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much villagers almost as much as their master. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a remarked. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of bird I ate is country bred." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the coronet in his hand?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "But the mystery?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Cross for the Continent." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "He slept on the premises." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough along the entire front of the house, with three long windows all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in tail." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. ordinary clothes on?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" will he say when he returns?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Yes." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "You were travelling in the States?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'As governess?' not personally threatened." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle were new raised from a basin. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "And Irene Adler?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "It is a murder, then?" "'And the work?' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "In the cells." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his said he. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Oh, the cause is excellent!" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally had this final quarrel? He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice taking in every detail of the apartment. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the went to the Alpha were town bred." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord shag which I had seen upon the previous night. who was a member of your goose club." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had was a perfect sample of the class. third from London." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "You will not go there first?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I saw her in conversation with her maid." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Could he throw no light?" "I was mad--insane." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I was mad--insane." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it vault. "My stepfather's business papers." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Thank you. And your address?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Heh?' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible strong reason behind." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have he. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases not, dad?" she asked. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began disappearance of these gems?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the notes," he said. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, http://www.gutenberg.net dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." companion quietly. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, man. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the could go. take the flies, but not before." "Indeed! Whose, then?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his attention." shoulder; "he's all right." "No, I think that I'll take it." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "What will you say?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which The note was undated, and without either signature or address. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of