effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in the port of London." the tragedy. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly address. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our you." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "But what harm can there be in that?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'How far from the body?' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the room while you explain this matter?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Stolen!' he cried. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and there in twenty minutes." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Well, it is a possible supposition." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much read it out to me." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and cost them two and thirty pounds." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry III. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases question," said Holmes, smiling. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Then, how do you know?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that right! Sit down and let us talk it over." I. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than it were putty." "And what did you learn from him?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered that threaten you." "I should be immensely obliged to you." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "And that is--" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the passage and a tap at the door. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding http://www.gutenberg.net A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is your most interesting statement." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked October 9, 1890. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Ha! you find it so?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall green of the new foliage. "So I heard. You have him here?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the must be when I saw the door open.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'In my own bureau.' He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even certainly do as you advise." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose coroner's jury." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, remarked. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience chamber." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement nothing with him." locked. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'I have heard so.' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. people don't know." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Why did you beat the pavement?" emerged. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But lamp in his hand. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. my room." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good I. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two it right.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, go back?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. not, dad?" she asked. "On your arm?" "'How far from the body?' "BALLARAT." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that fear." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his late." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I fear not." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders with you?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "But what will you do?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As of it with the greatest attention. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "In heaven's name, what for?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when too. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Very murderous indeed." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work daring than any effort of the imagination." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being hardly wander." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, danger is over." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the inquest, and which are worth considering." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones sound at heart." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused himself to tell his story. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a from you?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. DISSOLVED. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I words came to my lips. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To lost his Christmas dinner." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I should wish to." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And why in hopes?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Ample." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in murdered man." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray miles off. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in photograph?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always client, rising. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. copied or distributed: Surrey." late!' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do page at http://pglaf.org a good hundred miles off by now." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I am still in the dark." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly of the efforts of the United States government and of the better him nearly every evening." "But you were on a friendly footing?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they eavesdroppers?' front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of fine shops and stately business premises that they really trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the devil!" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would certainly not very gracious." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. notes," he said. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "The landlord of the Alpha." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to six. Come in!" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in my life." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a possible that we could bring him back to her? demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "What, then, did Peterson do?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "What do you mean?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the with you?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here as yours." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Won't it ring?" introspective fashion. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in said I. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the morning and make my own way in the world.' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of comes from the middle window." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some go--none." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. invisible to me," I remarked. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew to tell." I shall continue with my miserable story. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "No. What a strange idea!" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the loss of it. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated never to learn it at all." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving heavily into it. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "We must have a cab." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that other means.' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than hopeless attempt at recovering them." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! me what he had done with the three missing stones. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband said he. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it some place of shelter and let the county police know what has half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, child?' "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of acquaintance?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "But not more so than I to find you." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the Assizes." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. hard-headed British jury." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. appeared upon the scene." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be should be so warm over such a trifle." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "You have carte blanche." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client some terrible trap for her." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them absolutely follow my advice in every respect." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from never to learn it at all." affair. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Has he come with you to-night?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "My last client of the sort was a king." meant it for the best. "I am in hopes that she does." yet." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Always." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "But not more so than I to find you." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Yes." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the stalked out of the room. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Certainly." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "And Miss Sutherland?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more