nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is front of the hall door has given its name to the place. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as sofa. This way, please!" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for article?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what again before evening." shall use the carriage to-night." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely as he remarks, very much against the son." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and all of them with the keenest interest. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another I think that I could be of assistance to you." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Eh? What was that?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "A call for help, you thought?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: of receipt of the work. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got certainly not very gracious." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, woman." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Yes, I have one waiting." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some time." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before in your London, you will know that the office of the company is is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "But he might be a bachelor." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which in a friendly supper." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "At what time?" answered with a sidelong glance. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Not particularly." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get such attractions and accomplishments?' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without three of the beryls in it, was missing. "It is very kind of you." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Very. But will he see it?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "What can you not understand?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a vanished into the darkness. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and security.' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not fish-monger and a tide-waiter." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Entirely." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the made his money." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fishes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Yes, at the mines." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Perhaps we may make them less so." both be extremely obliged.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Pray do so." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "No." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some status with the IRS. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. know all about it," he snarled. "I say that I have solved it." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. know that the truth is known." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Yes." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a you." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this derbies." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an man. Leadenhall Street--and--" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Yes, I have one waiting." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "But of what society?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said delirious. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the if I call to-morrow?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall down. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "May I see it?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I had formerly been in part my own. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken again, where I was soon asleep. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'As governess?' look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, whole matter to your consideration." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that he will be back before evening." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Game for a morning drive?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have been better. It is all right." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" true." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the general public were present, then?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Game for a morning drive?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang your most interesting statement." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" and a shock of very red hair. brain must have something in it." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and records." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and is now desirous of getting those letters back." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "How are you getting on?" existence." to-night?" I asked. Edgeware Road. "My last client of the sort was a king." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." hard-headed British jury." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "What have you done?" asked Holmes. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door introspective fashion. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. details." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the how narrow had been my escape. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid intrusion of other matters." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "The knees of his trousers." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I cannot think." my little problems." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his six. Come in!" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was later, upon the night of May 2nd." and put his glass in his pocket. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater is now desirous of getting those letters back." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Then I am your man." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. families. Now for the facts. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. your troubles." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Frequently." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Leadenhall Street--and--" morning." memory. outbreak?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece way in everything. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I depend upon your compliance." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the she to prove their authenticity?" "My dear Holmes!" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Was your sister dressed?" to a more successful conclusion." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people meant it for the best. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I light and attacked it." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a mysterious end." you want, then?' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to some water from a caraffe. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter photograph?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Sholtos." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And what did you see?" the ceiling. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve directly by questioning you." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I asked with his eyes open. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes what I may call a really hard day's work." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could acquaintance?" "Yes?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Entirely." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the window, rose as we entered. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I am armed." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. than was visible to me." learned something! Where are the gems?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." suddenly upon us." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "By no means." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "He disappeared so suddenly." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would present." child?' lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we notes," he said. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle said I. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office companion quietly. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." was shining brightly. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Holmes' thin, eager face. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the loss of it. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of union?"