Sutherland. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police and the church but not where the lady lived." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I think that I had better go, Holmes." guilty parties." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is said I. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "That is unusual in a young girl." with frightened eyes at his accuser. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, open." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his furiously. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand has little to do with my story." miles off. matters immensely." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. suspect him." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. me. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Your sister is dead, then?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which to his chemical studies. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that outbreak?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My said he at last. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Stolen." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an fattened it expressly for you.' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "That is possible." "Were they all fastened this morning?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent lost his Christmas dinner." "Always." strength." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "And I." habit of advancing money.' feature." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of some terrible trap for her." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I know where it is." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it said I. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth entirely devoid of interest." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. child?' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "You are hungry," I remarked. "It is true that I have been generally successful." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at maid will bring up your coffee." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "10th. John Swain cleared. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or cigar and let me expound." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a appeal." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "BALLARAT." occurred." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord the little opening for the ventilator is." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "But how did you gain them?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Dr. Gregory B. Newby with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and that he would see to anything that turned up. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." straighten it?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I cannot imagine." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story you." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Then you may be so with me." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he geese which you supplied to the Alpha." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil notes," he said. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "How can you tell that?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry if I call to-morrow?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "And help." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs everything which you would wish to know." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might thirty. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Well, it is a possible supposition." questionable one." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and it means?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. wall." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Your presence might be invaluable." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in next day. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and all of them with the keenest interest. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "What are they?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "What, then, did Peterson do?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' address. "Not in the least." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then with you?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. My friend smiled. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "A client, then?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than is acting for the best. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Lee, in the county of Kent." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "By train from Waterloo." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "And how did you verify them?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of I was concerned in it." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the Red-headed League." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Well, but China?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in me have 200 pounds?' was keenly on my guard against him. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than 1.E.9. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said have one." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that answer." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured weapon." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all noting anything else of interest. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to British peeress.'" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You have compromised yourself seriously." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three system of imprisonment?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in to miss it." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the village inn over there?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Certainly." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Witness: I must still refuse. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to with her." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "In heaven's name, what for?" better grown goose." "What! a murderous attack?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." you." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of them has the shutters up.' five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the round and wave him away like that.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. stood on the top of it. for its centre. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the laugh and put his lips to my ear. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "The rest you will leave in our hands." wedding?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never very morning of my second wedding." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "No. What a strange idea!" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all photograph?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in interested in these little problems, and since you are good no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, gentleman's clothes. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and was lame." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it drove away. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in come either from the window or the door. My attention was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I guessed as much." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "And how did he make his money?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "The murder was done with it." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to unclasping of his long thin hands. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his grasp, he hurried from the room. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect walking." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "How many? I don't know." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Was he the only applicant?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have