the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Who was the criminal, then?" jewels which you have stolen?' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George make me his representative both with the servants and with the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large from the brougham. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But how?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be locked." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. is," said he presently: "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Not particularly." them?" "'What then?' I asked. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are in my life." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "But what is it you wish?" "No sign of it?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'I have already given you my word.' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average handed it to him. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into asked. depend upon your compliance." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Well, it is a possible supposition." fashion which was peculiar to him. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. II. "'Certainly not.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view him." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into think, you have already met." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort as yours." upon an income of about 60 pounds." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for call you and give you the chance." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. forehead. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there have established a very serious case against the son of the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: think, you have already met." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the of your young ladies.' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "No more words. Get out!" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have murdered man." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a to-night's adventure." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is fact, we may call it conclusive." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots relief. his knees, staring into the fire. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the inner apartment." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "How many? I don't know." unprofitable." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad front of the hall door has given its name to the place. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider crackling voice. he bowed and left the room without another word. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with such person." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving during that time.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls bled considerably." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would maiden herself was most instructive." used to be." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw of Fenchurch Street." populous neighbourhood." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "But your client--" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent from you?" "And Miss Sutherland?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. me." "Could he throw no light?" "Eh? What was that?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Pray let us have it, for all that." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the fuss that is made over them." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my less than 26s. 4d. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I held up the lantern and gazed about him. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It missed him, then?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It is to him that this trophy belongs." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "No bad?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea that?' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "No good news?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress sentimental considerations in the background which would induce and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's was keenly on my guard against him. more terrible than the truth. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "The knees of his trousers." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any works. See paragraph 1.E below. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the house with me." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the But Holmes shook his head gravely. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood together. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, your Highness to the police-station?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "But she could not love him." "I say that I have solved it." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. some terrible trap for her." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round once more. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Yes, sir.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon dates and names. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" done what I asked you, Jones?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'Quite sure, dad.' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "And why?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were me. You must get home instantly and act." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "If so, much may have happened between." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Yes, it was gone.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" just called myself is not exactly my own." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the with frightened eyes at his accuser. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, heavily into it. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. bedroom door." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the light and attacked it." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "You horrify me!" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "And the murderer?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "In heaven's name, what for?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I have come for advice." "Yes." "And how did you verify them?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "In heaven's name, what for?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a were wasted." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "I am armed." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Quite sure, dad.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a a good hundred miles off by now." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, cheerful." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the throat." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For directors, with the result that you have seen." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "What shall I do?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to I shall communicate with you." "Was he the only applicant?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'Then let me do so?' of the vacancies.' "Yes." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to outside." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an little trying to do so much typewriting?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a you?' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "I am following you closely," I answered. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Witness: It was. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Holmes." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time cost them two and thirty pounds." at once, for I have only half an hour." "I have seen the police." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Yes, from Horsham." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock one or two very singular points about this room. For example, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your key turn in the lock." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and row." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little was already answered. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen is acting for the best. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste excitement. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I do." very old mansion. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary business." John Swain, of St. Augustine. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' one's self under obligations.' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the matter." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had redistribution. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Witness: It was. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased confronted him. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Why did you beat the pavement?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I in. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and presume?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which