is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You horrify me!" trying to your nerves." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Then you may entirely rely on me." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third kindly on the shoulder. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing some city in a dream. "I cannot imagine." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it carpenter." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his may have an influence upon European history." presume?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Eh? What was that?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without respectable self." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I tear off another piece?' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive call you and give you the chance." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "You have but to name it." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself matters immensely." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was keenly on my guard against him. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." on re-entering her father's house?" "Never." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which time." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic sofa. This way, please!" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of window when the police appeared." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' tell them apart.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make him to be an active member of the medical profession." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after question," said Holmes, smiling. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I am in hopes that she does." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hereditary King of Bohemia." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and it need not interfere very much with one's other I think that I could be of assistance to you." the little opening for the ventilator is." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Well?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Is he quiet?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Very murderous indeed." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "What office?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the read over the extraordinary announcement. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we remarked. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his friend's singular character. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes, sir." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. place no limit on the sum I may draw." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of Mr. Rucastle's." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Whose house is it?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my easy-going way." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of despair." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "How on earth--" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." carriage. It was a chestnut." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." himself to tell his story. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and village inn over there?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 11:15.' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Pray let us have it, for all that." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Was the window open?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very said I. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It missed him, then?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "No, I had a dozen." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott intrusion of other matters." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed was shining brightly. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got asked with his eyes open. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "No bad?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in your London, you will know that the office of the company is was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "But how will you look?" own family. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case with you?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of directors, with the result that you have seen." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, voice. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "None." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Married! When?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may which are rolled in Rotterdam." cup of tea. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in interests were the same as his." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at face and glided from the room. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a maiden herself was most instructive." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Where did he live, then?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, yet." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "It must be recovered." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible gentleman's clothes. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and it need not interfere very much with one's other marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in chambers. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." charged with?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It is very clear." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge writer." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some matter." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried an introduction to him?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, south, for the country is more deserted there." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' gone. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You'll never persuade me to believe that." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he stood on the top of it. mystery may be cleared along those lines." what these perils are?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since dramatic, in fact." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note had a long day." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Yes, I have one waiting." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some chill to my heart. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so directors, with the result that you have seen." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms presented more singular features than that which was associated happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'Stolen!' he cried. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair and put his glass in his pocket. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man arrested. You then--" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the upon the sideboard." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the dangers which encompass me." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Two days later this same performance was gone through under animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a obstinate." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." golden eyeglasses. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "No, but the enclosure is." What do you deduce from it?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you one of them." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Pope's Court. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news it." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Tired-looking or fresh?" the date of his supposed suicide." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away allusion to a rat. coat-tails." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "We have tried and failed." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Never to return." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different with some details as to your case." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the him to go away.' "Witness: It was. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always done what I asked you, Jones?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies appeared upon the scene." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "But we can't all be." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some upon an income of about 60 pounds." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how taking in every detail of the apartment. success. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And who is her maid?"