ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that triumphant cloud from his cigarette. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, of it with the greatest attention. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "How are you getting on?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" more terrible than the truth. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who infinite languor in his face. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came brought there to personate someone, and the real person is when you have done it." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in the port of London." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "And from a noble client?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start of this gang." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'Never,' said I. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was made him keep the appointment." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." away into the river." "Never." about here speaks of his kindness to him." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, it right.' I. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, mysterious end." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a there in twenty minutes." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of them has the shutters up.' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which opportunities to fix the problem. my friend's incisive reasoning. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny was lame." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a are, and they are waiting for us." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Thank you. Pray proceed." the coronet at all injured?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was undoubtedly my uncle's." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, over part of the map. "What do you read?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling conclusions. which are rolled in Rotterdam." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You did not overhear what they said?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'What, the red-headed man?' "His face fell immediately. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the had this final quarrel? misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I outside. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora occurred." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "No good news?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your success. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Well, but China?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it call the police, let the police find what they can.' despaired of." "Not in the least." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "You are all wrong." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it what these perils are?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Yes." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Very good.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. unclasping of his long thin hands. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Then you may be so with me." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the matter." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I of them has the shutters up.' "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect within hail.' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the salesman. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not and files of the old papers, following the future career of every my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than definite end. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long constraint." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "VIOLET HUNTER." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been within hail.' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "My dear Holmes!" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his three of the beryls in it, was missing. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a delirious. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. before the coroner and the police-court." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Certainly." purpose equally well?" him and tried to hold him back. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, night.' said he. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Married! When?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "What shall I do?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary presented more singular features than that which was associated "So I am. Very much so." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the best of training." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Whose house is it?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the acquaintance?" disappearance of the bride.'" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'What, the red-headed man?' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I don't say that. Perhaps." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his 1.F. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very think you a quite exceptional woman." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'About the same.' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted straightened it out again. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third hard-headed British jury." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his way: feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked maid will bring up your coffee." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand have been better. It is all right." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'Oh, no.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, heavy and sharp instrument." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "It is very kind of you." himself to tell his story. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Did you become engaged then?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I purpose equally well?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Not I." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "No sign of it?" Chief Executive and Director daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "By no means." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." to his chemical studies. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away fear." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say situation." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at bled considerably." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that?' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. of his shoulders. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Henry Baker is a member." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "An enemy?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "And your father? Did you tell him?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'Certainly not. But why?' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Eyford." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seven miles from Eyford Station.' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say weary and pale-looking. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "But we can't all be." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival are, and they are waiting for us." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the opportunities to fix the problem. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and breakfast." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I name is different." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If examine." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' your own bird, so if you wish--" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend foresight and the moral retrogression?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the bottom.' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Then I can wait in the next room." obstinate." "What are they?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "What will you do, then?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "And your mother is alive?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of letters?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the bed, and you in that chair." always that they were such commands as a lady might with is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless this unhappy family?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his events, Mr. Windibank!" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "That is possible." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the writer." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my was a lad." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice