or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On already referred to. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Where, indeed?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't now. It seems that there had been some informality about their abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." until night should bring an explanation. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "How can you tell that?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Was he the only applicant?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Henry Baker is a member." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his himself. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Yes." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Very murderous indeed." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a taking in every detail of the apartment. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in one which it was hard to resist. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and looked back. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and glanced through. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while she has been waylaid. There has been no result." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only go from here to the Strand." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Yes. He waved his hands." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine arrangements." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. girl said." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a tell him that I know him to be innocent." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because me have 200 pounds?' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no opportunities to fix the problem. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The secret." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are other lovers by making love himself." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Then the page we have seen--" my secret was safe in his possession. "And what did you learn from him?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right legal crime." six. Come in!" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and your billet.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all subject to the trademark license, especially commercial window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and shall probably return to London by the evening train." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. husband's writing, madam." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Street. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to window when the police appeared." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the stable lane now." "Very much so." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "When did she vanish, then?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded already been minutely examined." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort business?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which father's place of business?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps you?' have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Was there a secret marriage?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "No, I had a dozen." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of them has the shutters up.' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "And how did you find out?" "And Irene Adler?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "He said too much." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't stammered. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we or in danger--" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of of receipt of the work. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have already been minutely examined." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'A dozen yards or so.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich of the vacancies.' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have about. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days his face which made him a very different person to the round, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I am still in the dark." lumber-room." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "The Cedars?" "Deserted you?" must compliment you." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. drove away. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had ways of our fellow-men." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital your most interesting statement." carried out of court." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, acted in my house last night?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "A confidential servant?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to laugh and put his lips to my ear. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I think that I had better go, Holmes." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel leave you to your papers for a little." "You think that he is dead?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I cannot think." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his it means?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your fish-monger and a tide-waiter." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "But what is it you wish?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "No, finished." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the is four-and-twenty." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Gutenberg-tm License. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "It was." "What, then?" "Where to?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself lips." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your cup of tea. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face investigation." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if may have an influence upon European history." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And is that all?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in to-night's adventure." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are read it out to me." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And who is her maid?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Thank you. And your address?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or time." "I should like to see him very much." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything there were so many in the whole country as were brought together London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which salesman. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all God! What an exposure! What can I do?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "So it appears." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed to-morrow." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the driver. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I will try. What is it?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, or other trace. But how on earth--" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Will you bet, then?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Stolen." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major despair." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote present strange and interesting features that it is no easy have been better. It is all right." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon this as likely?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and he died? "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have away to you." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our will not take me long to tell. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark tell them apart.' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me friends, not even his own brother. keep the flames under. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with before, for it was considerably after midnight. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes, he did." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding address. promised to bring home. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I don't believe it." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes, at the mines." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would wedding?" it." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the weapon." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an will find little credit to be gained out of this case." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." putting in the horse. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the night.' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "No, distinctly professional." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You'll never persuade me to believe that."