"Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "But I have heard all that you have heard." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed himself. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of business in the City. She little knew what. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It missed him, then?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third The King stared at him in amazement. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and than was visible to me." present." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. morning." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the together. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Surrey." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the your own bird, so if you wish--" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he never will be, entirely cleared up. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that against a man in the prime of life?" one which it was hard to resist. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself ago." will take you up to see the machine.' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" to some other building. Where does the thing come from?' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Edgeware Road. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Yes." "No, but the enclosure is." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is you." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been touch that coronet?' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "And for present expenses?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' you." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The events in question occurred in the early days of my the roots. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Pool. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "But she will refuse." o'clock is it?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I nice household for a young lady." "One of his hands." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood stammered. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, three fields round his house, and there he would take his clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing upon the shelf for the interim." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public room?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises union?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I have a cab outside." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up room. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Which are?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "And how?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer horse could go." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. hands. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young written, and locked the door of the office after me. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Her father is very rich?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of the vacancies.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I cannot as yet see any connection." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I o'clock is it?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. conclusions. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'What then?' I asked. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless entirely devoid of interest." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right such person." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I have solved it." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Then I do not see the point." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the this remarkable episode. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. were unconscious?" letters?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Project Gutenberg-tm works. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in kind enough to tell me what I should do." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the inner apartment." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Farm upon the left." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the might have a private word with us. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I shall most certainly do so." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and away to you." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the everything which you would wish to know." and the colonel ushered me in. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall back into the street. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Pope's Court. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." bare slabs of marble. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "One horse?" interjected Holmes. I held the little printed slip to the light. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as business came to an end." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly I think that I could be of assistance to you." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent of receipt of the work. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'Ten to two.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who considering the formidable letters which were received by himself as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "So I have heard." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. meant it for the best. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his correct than the official force." "My own seal." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it photograph a cabinet?" o'clock is it?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Imitated." situation." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "No." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a has little to do with my story." more solid." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. bird I ate is country bred." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her at my own good fortune. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining not, dad?" she asked. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and heavy and sharp instrument." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. thought that she would have been so carried away." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can means taking possession of that which another person has a prior is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." married her." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their that, and I came down." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend will find little credit to be gained out of this case." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Yes." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Yes, the wine-cellar." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Witness: It was. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the ceiling. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "By all means." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'You cannot say what it was?' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "How many? I don't know." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the think, you have already met." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying to talk it over. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "My stepfather's business papers." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his it." works. See paragraph 1.E below. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the matter?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "And for present expenses?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. what do you think they found in the pockets?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Proceed, then." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "The murder was done with it." for securing the situation." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It people don't know." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A you want, then?' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "And when will you call?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It is possible." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging even so self-evident a thing as that." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. suspect him." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit acquaintance?" and wait." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It shall not find me ungrateful." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful photograph a cabinet?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was round and wave him away like that.' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered system of imprisonment?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that security.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of fact, we may call it conclusive." "If I can be of use." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must DAMAGE. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "One?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against call it cruel." hour." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Why did you beat the pavement?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows God! What an exposure! What can I do?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Nothing." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was correct than the official force." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "What, then, did Peterson do?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, photograph a cabinet?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing she to prove their authenticity?" I was concerned in it." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon