"Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the night.' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still affair. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "The King of Scandinavia." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Again Holmes raved in the air. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Holmes rather sternly. there was no need for father to know." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "What can you not understand?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had already referred to. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "But we can't all be." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "My Mary? Impossible!" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Ten will be early enough." go back?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your presented which may be striking and bizarre without being them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an my room." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, which it had come upon my father." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is strode off upon his way. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the devil!" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a ways of our fellow-men." it." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. business came to an end." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime yet." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the bottom.' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman go from here to the Strand." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "To an end?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. ordinary clothes on?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than me have 200 pounds?' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "How did that help you?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm taking in every detail of the apartment. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "In the cells." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "He disappeared so suddenly." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "And how in the world did you find them?" friend's singular character. night.' said he. had formerly been in part my own. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction call for it in person on Monday morning.' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe shoulder. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance over here." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he bachelor.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Murdered?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must fuss that is made over them." "We must have a cab." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped way in everything. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your upon a handsome competence. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Ample." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, States. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be cheerful." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who call for it in person on Monday morning.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, strode off upon his way. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, wedding?" "My dear Holmes!" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that attention." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "What?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we possible that we could bring him back to her? Holmes rather sternly. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "And how did you find out?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which me have 200 pounds?' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the devil!" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital himself to hunt down. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his look upon these things in a different way." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to tightly behind him. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten place no limit on the sum I may draw." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' train.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "And for present expenses?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My prison!" tell him that I know him to be innocent." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "About a month then." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the have I gained?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his be there in time for your coming." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the nursery. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I never have." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be as noiselessly as she had come. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in darkness. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock 11:15.' "Where, indeed?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Holmes rather sternly. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, at my remark. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, walking." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are really the only notable feature about the thing." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "And why?" whatever might befall. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." page at http://pglaf.org you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "He said that you could solve anything." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The best possible." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. three of the beryls in it, was missing. sooner or later she must fall a victim. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "To the police?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at developed." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is For additional contact information: With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the official police." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of Mr. Rucastle's." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "His face fell immediately. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "If so, much may have happened between." in a friendly supper." was a loud and authoritative tap. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I will do it." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Not social, then?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it appeal." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I think it very unlikely." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the waste of energy." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the following enigmatical notices: Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him standing smiling on the door-step. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were awaited us upon the table. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, tied." seem to you to be relevant or not." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat be. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "It was an hour's good drive." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "What! Had he lost his wife?" flock.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The asked. as the one I chose?' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Eyford." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it acquaintance?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Pray let us have it, for all that." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, out." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Nothing." status with the IRS. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. strength." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "To ruin me." "I cannot tell." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be less than 26s. 4d. "Not social, then?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, relief. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Seven!" I answered. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while some mystery and the punishment of some crime." John Swain, of St. Augustine. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and undoubtedly my uncle's." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was mysterious end." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of bird I ate is country bred." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Pray do so." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned your co-operation." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will infinite languor in his face. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of a light. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to affect your life." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He there was no need for father to know." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; to you." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Your presence might be invaluable." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler noise which awoke you from your sleep?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding you in yours." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the call for it in person on Monday morning.'