prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to him, that man would not have given me such complete information "May I see it?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in been shamefully used." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, disappearance of these gems?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" bare slabs of marble. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I to tell." the best of training." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Stolen, then." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I do." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "But of what society?" returned to France?" the nursery. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and rose-bushes. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. fat-encircled eyes. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, bled considerably." to have been novel and of interest." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the quickly through a disagreeable task. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch me." nonsense.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "That is not always so easy." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" late." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us other means.' impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Farm upon the left." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. enter into my head. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came business at Coburg Square is serious." Watson," he said cordially. http://www.gutenberg.net weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a time." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a John Swain, of St. Augustine. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you someone who had been in Australia." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "In what way?" asked Holmes. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, is a common subject for conversation. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about pictures, libraries, or plate. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Yes, but only for you and me." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in at a side door. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Yes." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried certainly not very gracious." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that threaten you." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the minor matters until to-morrow." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows been with you?" an introduction to him?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Then you may entirely rely on me." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in felt the room to be a little close.' "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Stolen!' he cried. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "None." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Then I can wait in the next room." think that any burglar could have done. him." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's interested in these little problems, and since you are good now. It seems that there had been some informality about their is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her a room. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Come in!" said Holmes. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" been with you?" something of him before." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which approach us with offers to donate. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'As governess?' investigation." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," room had already been engaged for us. written. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months morning." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'As governess?' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "It is very kind of you." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "To an English lawyer named Norton." horse could go." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, British peeress.'" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another goes." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for chill to my heart. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I cannot tell." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "To the police?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Does that suggest anything?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of over here." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate became a certainty. whether it answered to the description of any of their "We must have a cab." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was cost them two and thirty pounds." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the of your young ladies.' "No good news?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." ways of our fellow-men." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to crime. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch furiously. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since for its centre. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the coronet in his hands?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is meant." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the south-west, I see." business came to an end." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a becomes even more simple." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady outsides of the windows. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Quite so." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Did you become engaged then?" a good hundred miles off by now." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "That sounds a little paradoxical." Street. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." enough to aid us in our search." "Where did you address your letters, then?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Did your wife hear all this?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I beg pardon." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning photograph?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "And it is--" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Always." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out business matters.' and looked back. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. have not had my rubber." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there room had already been engaged for us. nights." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to is," said he presently: "Yes. He waved his hands." hands. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is if only as a check to my own memory." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting client, rising. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met standing smiling on the door-step. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in gbnewby@pglaf.org acquaintance?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger it were putty." hair?' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. that there was nothing in it, after all." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had I think that I could be of assistance to you." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental beyond words. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a had a long day." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Yes." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but once more for Briony Lodge. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" only touch the interest." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length presented more singular features than that which was associated moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the matter." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a instincts rose up against that laugh. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Munro.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "The Cedars?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Tired-looking or fresh?" second window is the one that I jumped from." highroad, where all traces were lost. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. congenial hunt. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And Irene Adler?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the My friend smiled. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend paper in the air. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature started for the Temple to see my husband. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "She will not sell." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" quite distinctive." "Nearly eleven." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered were unconscious?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer extraordinary contortions. relief. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but garden below. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Well, it is a possible supposition." "That is possible." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our astonishment. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in delighted to hear it," he said. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "But how?" "Yes, but only for you and me." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Count Von Kramm." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my carried out of court." "The best possible." "You think that he is dead?" least a fellow-countryman. during that time.' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the