"The doctor?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning sufficient punishment." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "A client, then?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "So I have heard." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have then?" of Mr. Rucastle's." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have death." "And how have you succeeded?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "My dear Holmes!" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, drove away. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." occupations.' "Yes." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to-night's adventure." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, outside. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened one of them." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can was used.' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream will find little credit to be gained out of this case." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed must be when I saw the door open.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of introspective fashion. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "But not more so than I to find you." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very look upon these things in a different way." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'About the same.' one's self under obligations.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "We must have a cab." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited will be renamed. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms go back?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "None." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the occupations.' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "I should be immensely obliged to you." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. door?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already miles off. sound at heart." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but chill to my heart. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the inner apartment." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Yes, all." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I in. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Always." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." may never be exposed to such a temptation." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I see no marks." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I have a cab outside." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Bought." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "And it is--" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Stoke Moran." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "It is no ordinary one." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then electronic works I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. never to learn it at all." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' away to you." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And the murderer?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Pray continue your narrative." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "But what will you do?" to me. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let What do you deduce from it?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my four million human beings all jostling each other within the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of just ask you whether you had heard it.' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of of his shoulders. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Henry Baker is a member." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Where does the thing come from?' permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations like that before?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was daring than any effort of the imagination." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "And you don't know his address?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "How did that help you?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, giving me time to thank him. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it was a perfect sample of the class. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very it." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where hand, madam?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Well, but China?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared round and wave him away like that.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only to tell." photograph a cabinet?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King could go. breakfast." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks about here speaks of his kindness to him." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and affection." pictures, libraries, or plate. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Really! You surprise me." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'There is a drive, then?' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke it." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, place of silver." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Not in a good cause." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The conceal it?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while spare." "I am sure." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have photograph?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to tackle the facts." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he done what I asked you, Jones?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Here?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have tell them apart.' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I think that it is very probable." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "That is unusual in a young girl." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "And for present expenses?" over here." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the Red-headed League." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he with frightened eyes at his accuser. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of heavy and sharp instrument." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "How often?" acquaintance?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I may never be exposed to such a temptation." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." suddenly upon us." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did fasten all the windows?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'As governess?' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. in. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really have established a very serious case against the son of the was it brought him the coronet? mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which round with crates and massive boxes. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or as the one I chose?' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the opened the door, and slipped through. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first morning." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "No." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY I. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that acquaintance?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in said he. wedding?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. lamp in his hand. "Yes, certainly." "When did it break out?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'Never.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. best detective that ever lived. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the which we had just quitted. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "And now?" He raised his hand. "No, distinctly professional." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are back alive. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel digesting their breakfasts at home." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my said he. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "No. What a strange idea!" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There everything which you would wish to know." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Street. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. be there in time for your coming." murdered man." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his