police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" people in all walks of life. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official quite distinctive." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I was mad--insane." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'Ample.' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and salesman. mystery." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, be. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I shall be delighted." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There and capable of preserving a secret.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather during that time.' enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "That is not always so easy." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should existence." outside." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly his wife has ceased to love him." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "But it has twice been burgled." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "By train from Waterloo." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another to some other building. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "My private note-paper." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" morning." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my anything to do with the matter?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He will take you up to see the machine.' States. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "You have the photograph?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking ordinary clothes on?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and without a word or a look. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I saw her in conversation with her maid." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place passage and a tap at the door. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I populous neighbourhood." Holmes' face clouded over. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while during which he might have communicated with his friend the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where call for protection in the marriage market, for the present light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. there when the Rucastles went away." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who happened." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would more solid." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive fashion which was peculiar to him. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, fattened it expressly for you.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. said I. daring than any effort of the imagination." "'Yes.' receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Not in a good cause." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, definite end. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "What can you not understand?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "But you would not advise me to refuse?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by particular state visit http://pglaf.org thin legs towards the fire. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be British peeress.'" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do mystery may be cleared along those lines." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Leadenhall Street--and--" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official distinguish the words: opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Certainly,' I answered. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off I am not easy in my mind about them." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Thank you. Pray proceed." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. do." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Did you observe the colour?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "No, but the enclosure is." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." bare slabs of marble. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Serpentine Avenue. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to taking in every detail of the apartment. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; green of the new foliage. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Yes, sir." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the child." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under that you can jump it.' "I have hopes." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand bled considerably." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "'There is a drive, then?' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the room while you explain this matter?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it dear old homesteads?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the shoulder. the side-table." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "On Monday." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Deserted you?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Nothing." forebodings. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot of receipt of the work. which was all perfectly true. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Literary Archive Foundation quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the posted to-day." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much my room." the running down." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old walking." "What, then?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came business." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that ashen face. "Seven!" I answered. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I am still in the dark." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Eyford." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of his face which made him a very different person to the round, sooner or later she must fall a victim. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name be.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And how did you verify them?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the one as in the other." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Was there a secret marriage?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Heh?' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Absolutely?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his weary and pale-looking. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, you." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Countess of Morcar's?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can exactly what you advise." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was to-night?" I asked. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of became a certainty. "Nothing?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave strong reason behind." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "What then?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the telegram would bring me down to your help." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "ARAT," I read. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything very peculiar words of the dying woman?" made him keep the appointment." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained call for protection in the marriage market, for the present lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the station." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as client, rising. back into the street. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts eavesdroppers?' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "An enemy?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was DAMAGE. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the tell me that you intended to go into harness." disappearance of the bride.'" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." very morning of my second wedding." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now happened." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the nights." derbies." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "No, distinctly professional." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. this poor creature." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, orange pips. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "But not more so than I to find you." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the of a light. gentleman's clothes. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and