into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself about here speaks of his kindness to him." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock fact, we may call it conclusive." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You were travelling in the States?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I child?' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't tassel actually lying upon the pillow. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of meanly of me." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "In answer to an advertisement." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At unprofitable." developed." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." orange pips. that you saw all that I did." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the third from London." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face entirely devoid of interest." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the devil!" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "No, distinctly professional." overpowering excitement and concern. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my swore that no one else had been in the front room during the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. you." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest The King stared at him in amazement. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what to take care of herself." business matters.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." standing smiling on the door-step. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these recall any case within my experience which looked at the first matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the address that was given us in the advertisement. "What then?" Countess of Morcar's?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in him, that man would not have given me such complete information humiliation." "To the police?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Nothing?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and that you can jump it.' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Where did he live, then?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Nor running a chance of arrest?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was appeared upon the scene." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and a shock of very red hair. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such 11:15.' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." suspect him." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant think that he is innocent?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. in my life." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Do you go out much in society?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained despair." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" gentleman's clothes. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, roused himself from his reverie. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, behind me. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'What then?' I asked. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Married! When?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Dark enough and sinister enough." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "A confidential servant?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried for its centre. golden eyeglasses. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but a suggestive one." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "He said too much." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "But it has twice been burgled." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would generous with you in money matters.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Then the page we have seen--" chair. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be figure." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged his huge brown hands. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "None. Neville wrote those words." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And help." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And why?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "The knees of his trousers." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' were wasted." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. were unconscious?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the coronet at all injured?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Clair, of Lee." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' upon the white wrist. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside bonnet, and went out." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Then you may be so with me." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said troubles have been weighing upon his mind. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And how did you verify them?" third from London." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen mystery." stammered. "What steps will you take?" I asked. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the window, rose as we entered. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to four million human beings all jostling each other within the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "And you don't know his address?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Sholtos." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Yes?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their during that time.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the there." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have got?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Bought." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock cheerful." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Well, but China?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. all that?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend case before our client came into the room." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "None. Neville wrote those words." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning that threaten you." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the help us in this matter." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Your sister is dead, then?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "And on what day did he meet his death?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Nothing." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Holmes rather sternly. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom again, where I was soon asleep. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I anything to do with the matter?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Whose house is it?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the she used." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Certainly not. But why?' "At half-wages, in fact." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point The note was undated, and without either signature or address. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, hour." "And Irene Adler?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. do.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can me, and I could not think that his explanation of the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bare slabs of marble. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." ways of our fellow-men." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "You don't mind breaking the law?" your room." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore handed it to him. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "But what harm can there be in that?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was hopeless attempt at recovering them." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' empty. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Yes, it was twisted." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Then I can wait in the next room." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and you in yours." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Entirely." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the best of training." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the very morning of the wedding." hereditary King of Bohemia." "Who by?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' becomes even more simple." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice on re-entering her father's house?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" stammered. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and a shock of very red hair. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Did you become engaged then?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the very letters. But what is this written above them?' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free recover the gem." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big tightly behind him. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Where did he live, then?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'I have heard so.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" round with crates and massive boxes. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your do.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm weigh very heavily upon my conscience." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was it brought him the coronet? any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Mary, has deserted me." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me him, that man would not have given me such complete information opened a pocket-book and took out a note. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "And for present expenses?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I have my revolver," said I. night.' said he. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly your bag." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring if she died from some sudden fright." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far to have been novel and of interest." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and detective. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in if I call to-morrow?" will be renamed. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "9th. McCauley cleared. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no was feeling which was the fattest.'