the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry your bag." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his face. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and it need not interfere very much with one's other case-book, which he consulted. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then foot. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, felt the room to be a little close.' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor could not account in any way for the presence of the missing indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these of this gang." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I have a cab outside." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it come either from the window or the door. My attention was The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You did not overhear what they said?" my former friend and companion. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my acquaintance?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Ha! you find it so?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his when your master had gone out." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well door?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in was keenly on my guard against him. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Very much so." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to have one." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of you do it in twenty minutes!' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. would apply.' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of in one or two places in England?' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having God! What an exposure! What can I do?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without works. See paragraph 1.E below. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in notes," he said. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a and glanced through. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Yes, at the mines." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended had no one to advise her at such a crisis." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a stalked out of the room. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. digesting their breakfasts at home." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "But of what society?" colour had been driven from his face. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," prove to be little relation between the different incidents of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "When did she vanish, then?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Munro.' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave tear off another piece?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions to surprise her." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'What, the red-headed man?' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is way: while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." of his shoulders. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance quick march!" this remarkable episode. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the once more to my work. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your his eyes and forehead. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." your co-operation." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the becomes even more simple." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see hour?' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply are, I think, all that we need." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, both be extremely obliged.' her also." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the your equipment. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" shoulder; "he's all right." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Yes, but only for you and me." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Which dealer's?' putting in the horse. "10th. John Swain cleared. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "No." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four nights." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not and put his glass in his pocket. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. during that time.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the so-precious time, but come!' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "No good news?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "I cannot imagine." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg me have 200 pounds?' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open constraint." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is very morning of my second wedding." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who to you." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as even so self-evident a thing as that." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and it. "It is solved." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the iron safe, which he closed upon it. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our lectures into a series of tales." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the criminal. We have already had experience of such." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do your Highness to the police-station?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It delighted to hear it," he said. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible once more to my work. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "We must have a cab." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross where she found matters as described by the last witness. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no keep the flames under. opened the door, and slipped through. will take you up to see the machine.' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third useful material for showing traces. The double line a little be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And could not account in any way for the presence of the missing my former friend and companion. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "No, I had a dozen." "Perhaps I have." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "By train from Waterloo." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in http://gutenberg.net/license). against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the little opening for the ventilator is." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Nothing." "To an end?" time." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, in a friendly supper." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, you in yours." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. three fields round his house, and there he would take his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I would pay ten." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but this man was intellectual?" His smile broadened. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking which was all perfectly true. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Sholtos." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any forebodings. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is was a lad." bled considerably." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence said I. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with to you." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had back alive. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was This is what he says: "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving orange pips. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." yards of it?' and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "And Miss Sutherland?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'What then?' I asked. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Mrs. Toller serenely. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "That also I could fathom." come either from the window or the door. My attention was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the iron safe, which he closed upon it. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just this remarkable episode. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little to go into your room and bar your shutters?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. assist you in forming an opinion." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'Most admirably.' "'About the same.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a me have 200 pounds?' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun you." certainly not very gracious." already been minutely examined." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door to-night's adventure." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "None." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "What of the rat, then?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed lectures into a series of tales." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the than to us. "I should like to see him very much." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Seven!" I answered. train.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he entirely devoid of interest." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "And I to find an enemy." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became standing smiling on the door-step. thirty. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "He said that you could solve anything." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Holmes, the busybody!"