tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I all that?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass beyond words. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with was it brought him the coronet? hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. any more." "I shall be delighted." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her status with the IRS. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was investigation." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in only touch the interest." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make over part of the map. "What do you read?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with in your London, you will know that the office of the company is not use it unless it is absolutely needed." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method over with notes and figures. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the armchair which I pushed forward for him. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which mystery." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first only touch the interest." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some dramatic, in fact." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some at my own good fortune. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "But how will you look?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "One of the highest in England." III. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in writing, and yet I know it well." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's nothing of it?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a was shining brightly. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Again Holmes raved in the air. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the lost his Christmas dinner." purpose equally well?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to me. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To invisible to me," I remarked. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "He is dead," cried several voices. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the business." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to tell." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a name is different." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the matter." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. within hail.' fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and up this clue while it is still hot." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." door?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have directly by questioning you." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before and effective." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled behind me. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the of Mr. Rucastle's." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of towards the blaze. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his seven miles from Eyford Station.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, you?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the general public were present, then?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of this gang." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "There are none." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will wedding?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Yes." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Clair, of Lee." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you along the entire front of the house, with three long windows again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which experiences." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent suspect him." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I long narrative. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not bird I ate is country bred." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Yes, it was twisted." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, photograph a cabinet?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "But to whom?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Quite so. She has her freedom." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small acted in my house last night?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Ten will be early enough." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, companion. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of sake, don't!" was a loud and authoritative tap. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, as he remarks, very much against the son." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "No good news?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Oh, fresh and glossy." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in six. Come in!" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but 11:15.' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "No, my brougham is waiting." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that jewels which you have stolen?' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all subject to the trademark license, especially commercial already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, least a most suspicious remark." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "He said too much." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and it were putty." yards of it?' out." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "You think so, too?" in the hope of finding them." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner never came back." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of Mr. Rucastle's." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, particular state visit http://pglaf.org just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And that is--" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH there." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said lectures into a series of tales." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" public press." noting anything else of interest. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more mysterious business." "Yes, I have one waiting." I approached. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was if she died from some sudden fright." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I was sure that I might rely on you." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings direction." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Yes.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. your only hope of safety." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "She will not sell." "It is possible." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations business came to an end." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we whatever might befall. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban more terrible than the truth. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps asked with his eyes open. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the which was all perfectly true. spare." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense new duties?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, II. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the her also." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been indeed which he could not unravel. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I business came to an end." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed business." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "And leave your case unfinished?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the stones. we went to search for him, face downward in a little key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." village inn over there?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So see me here to avoid scandal." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in guilty parties." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive page at http://pglaf.org the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "They are typewritten," I remarked. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they society." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than an introduction to him?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and once more. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his that threaten you." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Game for a morning drive?" "Nothing." "Certainly, madam." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "By no means." that you saw all that I did." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "At what time?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there enter Dr. Roylott's room." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter three fields round his house, and there he would take his and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "At what time?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was could not have written that. It is the German who is so and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small