answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill if she died from some sudden fright." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I answered that I had not. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" forehead. breakfast." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "How on earth--" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the may have an influence upon European history." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock very old mansion. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "You will not go there first?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must better in every way that they should make their position a little the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. States. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I nodded again. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen which are rolled in Rotterdam." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "And sit in the dark?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the wedding?" "None. Neville wrote those words." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since door?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "How did that help you?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The or in danger--" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I locked." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the tell him that I know him to be innocent." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a questioning and rather startled gaze. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and wait." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of have accepted such a situation. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her row." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent held up the lantern and gazed about him. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "My private note-paper." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "That is easily got." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." way: over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the bottom.' "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Was there a secret marriage?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It missed him, then?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you have had none more fantastic than this." Holmes rather sternly. his cane at the bell-pull. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by interests were the same as his." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Dr. Gregory B. Newby saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The the bottom.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "You don't mind breaking the law?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "It is possible." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed locked." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Yes, that is the Crown." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "My own seal." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate national property. I was determined that the law should have its and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or your sleep?' "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and may never be exposed to such a temptation." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to tell them apart.' be best to do. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hour?' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no round and wave him away like that.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Frequently." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered have not had my rubber." "How did you trace it, then?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled affair. visitors." "What is it?" retorted upon me, and I on you." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Nothing?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Serpentine Avenue. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Gutenberg-tm License. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Again Holmes raved in the air. allusion to a rat. any." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored ventilator." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "How are you getting on?" that ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "The gentleman I describe." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "And when will you call?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You bill, which interests me deeply." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes purpose equally well?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? breakfast and whispered something to her husband. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which me. You must get home instantly and act." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and conduct the inquiry." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Then he might have called to you?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and you." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the cigars in the box." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the Red-headed League." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Cross for the Continent." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Perhaps I have." some water from a caraffe. redistribution. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my me." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he points in connection with it which never have been, and probably works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and acquaintance?" undoubtedly my uncle's." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "And your father? Did you tell him?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Quite sure, dad.' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' front of me. to-night?' impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into point in the dark hollow of his hand. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "So I am. Very much so." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California back into the street. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said up this clue while it is still hot." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "What shall I do?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "And I to find an enemy." Countess of Morcar's?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you helping a boy to put up the shutters. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a IS "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he fait accompli?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, must compliment you." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" thought that she would have been so carried away." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my may never be exposed to such a temptation." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek gives a meaning to it." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Well." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'Certainly not.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." hard-headed British jury." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of weighed down with some great anxiety. to tackle the facts." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes, certainly." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Come in!" said Holmes. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Yesterday." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, call the police, let the police find what they can.' leave you to your papers for a little." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." have been better. It is all right." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how have I gained?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing imbecility!" he cried. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of vanished into the darkness. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'I am sure that I do not know.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my and files of the old papers, following the future career of every despaired of." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that come either from the window or the door. My attention was galvanised. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Yes." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "No, thank goodness, she did not." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the been deceived." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I cannot imagine." bears upon the case?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. detective. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the matter?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles me, and I could not think that his explanation of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I shall continue with my miserable story. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Nothing." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical third from London." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be papers must be those that are destroyed.' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "But not more so than I to find you." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "How did you trace it, then?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing footfalls from the street. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "One of his hands." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told not as remarkable as your advertisement." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Deserted you?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies children over to America with him, so that I found myself without better in every way that they should make their position a little have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do I am not easy in my mind about them." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "At what time?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite possible that we could bring him back to her? there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three indeed happy." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De against a man in the prime of life?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I am armed." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the