Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the south-west, I see." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to hurried by. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could DAMAGE. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the was lame." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to these bleak autumnal evenings." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the words came to my lips. help us in this matter." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Yes, all." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking been shamefully used." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past was used.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" you do it in twenty minutes!' States. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand said I. for and were ordered to this address. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I awaited us upon the table. has little to do with my story." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Witness: It was. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave take the flies, but not before." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing ceremony." "Come in!" said Holmes. instincts rose up against that laugh. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the foot. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened means taking possession of that which another person has a prior end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Certainly." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'Ample.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "In San Francisco, a year ago." "And your father? Did you tell him?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she perplexity from it to my illustrious client. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Did your wife hear all this?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." fluttered off among the others. "'What, the red-headed man?' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction with you?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what congratulate you again." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the so-precious time, but come!' "You don't mind breaking the law?" the dangers which encompass me." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing business in the City. She little knew what. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I showing my impatience. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as *** START: FULL LICENSE *** that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "How often?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and to me. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "And your mother is alive?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think events than those which have happened in my own family." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "What?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying experiences." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a purpose equally well?" himself to tell his story. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "How on earth--" village inn over there?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that he has suffered." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the best of training." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid hard-headed British jury." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But to whom?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" whole matter to your consideration." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp room. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of purpose equally well?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were without success. At last the little money which I had saved began seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Then how many are there?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Countess of Morcar's?" Arthur Conan Doyle "That you are never beaten." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And leave your case unfinished?" "And how did he make his money?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, out of this horrible affair." the little opening for the ventilator is." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her or in danger--" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade train from Paddington which would bring you there at about massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Count Von Kramm." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary over his head with a sweet womanly caress. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, matters immensely." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "You have carte blanche." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, father's place of business?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little even so self-evident a thing as that." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I all-comprehensive glances. "That also I could fathom." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Mrs. Toller serenely. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "But she could not love him." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he instituted." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the hands. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place hereditary King of Bohemia." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "None." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better test if we have an answer to our advertisement." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped that I may have something better before very many minutes are foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge nonsense.' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day forehead. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has dramatic, in fact." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you south, for the country is more deserted there." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." me. You must get home instantly and act." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But we can't all be." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his wall." the coroner come to?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further to talk it over. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front gone. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your there were one or two details which were new to me. But the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the hair?' "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "My Mary? Impossible!" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I invisible to me," I remarked. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked 1.F. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "But how did you gain them?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his fortune, and I went back to pa. exactly what you advise." "Ha! you find it so?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. cigars in their mouths. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any charged with?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her key of the affair now." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very see a sister of mine apply for." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "It is no ordinary one." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the was not a bird to be seen there. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be delighted to hear it," he said. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Holmes' room. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "The vanishing of the lady." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Yes, it would be as well." "I cannot tell." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Sholtos." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to kind enough to tell me what I should do." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would friends, not even his own brother. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." garden below. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp fire. You quite follow me?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What will you do, then?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident my friend's incisive reasoning. hour." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that His smile broadened. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an pound a week." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some started for the Temple to see my husband. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Why did you beat the pavement?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down extraordinary contortions. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "But we can't all be." "To the police?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "None." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Do you receive much company?" he asked. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which colonel looking down at me. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at away to you." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "You have the photograph?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael said I. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained than to us. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a that I am arrested." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing chamber." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and tapping his fingers upon the table. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." floor. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which what do you think they found in the pockets?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he seem to you to be relevant or not." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have written. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler companion. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Surrey." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I came to find a friend." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am 'please.'" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are him to go away.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a mystery may be cleared along those lines."