"Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know conclusions. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY to his chemical studies. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my redistribution. "I answered that I had not. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Eyford at 11:15.' our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the to some other building. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Look there!" said he. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "That is it on the dressing-table." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "When did it break out?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "What steps will you take?" I asked. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us said he. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I shall be delighted." him." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "My Mary? Impossible!" then?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "From his hat?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, walking." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah prison!" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to not come at once?" "But we can't all be." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first constraint." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Of what day?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'I have heard so.' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the disturbance in my wife." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the of this gang." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One point in the dark hollow of his hand. "No good news?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the night.' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to which are rolled in Rotterdam." sound at heart." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to memory. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon redistribution. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It is his hat." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ready to-morrow?' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "No, thank goodness, she did not." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "But how did you gain them?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "What are they?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "To the police?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. McCarthy's innocence. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and put his glass in his pocket. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the devil!" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for overpowering excitement and concern. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself front of the hall door has given its name to the place. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen perplexity from it to my illustrious client. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'Where to?' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little wall." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building conclusions. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Clair, of Lee." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'And the work?' to-night." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about your billet.' on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" reach." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "You have compromised yourself seriously." during which he might have communicated with his friend the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "What then?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because me." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'Yes, I promise.' bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept once more. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and tied." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Where to?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. to-night?' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you this truth that in these little records of our cases which you good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "And leave your case unfinished?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "We have tried and failed." records." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "This concluded the examination of the witness." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own plantation.' once more for Briony Lodge. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you meant it for the best. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And is that all?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'Yes, I promise.' of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I have a cab outside." "You have carte blanche." see me here to avoid scandal." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "But she could not love him." "I have solved it." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'There is a drive, then?' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, views." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and not, dad?" she asked. business matters.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and opportunities to fix the problem. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock been shamefully used." "He slept on the premises." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Ha! you find it so?" used to be." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Literary Archive Foundation my friend's incisive reasoning. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old province." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before really the only notable feature about the thing." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I will, Miss Turner." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she one of the states of the Union." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows shall not find me ungrateful." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'I have heard so.' kindly on the shoulder. way: him!" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the laugh and put his lips to my ear. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's cheerful." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of wall." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my said I. a room. bill, which interests me deeply." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "No?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "So I have heard." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "But your client--" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I I shall continue with my miserable story. ago." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save cup of tea. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the nursery. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon in this way: Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the coronet in his hands?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that tell them apart.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the Assizes." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was trifles." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the fishes. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, depend upon your compliance." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go his eyes and forehead. next day. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I beg that you will break it off." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "But I have heard all that you have heard." out." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the would then never go into court at all." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You were travelling in the States?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right man. I know him from the photograph." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. room had already been engaged for us. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. I took the paper from him and read as follows: his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." them present such singular features as the strange train of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." and looked back. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to that "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Yesterday." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "There is the writing." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, over here." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in helping a boy to put up the shutters. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I know where it is." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred me, and I could not think that his explanation of the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Eyford." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "He said too much." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are during the last few years, and there are many noble families to opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Just look it up, then." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the laugh and put his lips to my ear. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the it means?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "He might." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "But it has twice been burgled." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'Never,' said I. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Where, then, is my wife?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how yet." writing, and yet I know it well." "But she could not love him." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four