greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Now, then, what's the last entry?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Do you know him?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "My photograph." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of fish-monger and a tide-waiter." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, his eyes and forehead. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "A confidential servant?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk tell him that I know him to be innocent." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I will not look." to tackle the facts." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really night.' said he. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it is now desirous of getting those letters back." any more." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard furiously. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Whose house is it?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which again." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was lips." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "What office?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London throat." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage James Windibank. Voilà tout!" she might be summoned. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Then I do not see the point." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when had no one to advise her at such a crisis." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and effective." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly upon the shelf for the interim." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time His name is Francis Prosper." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there good-night and bustled off upon her way. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you married her." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind writers could invent nothing more crude." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Were they all fastened this morning?" fuss that is made over them." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or for the market.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every this Miss Turner." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my hair?' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "None." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "She will not sell." "Oh, fresh and glossy." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Nothing?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say of the vacancies.' case-book, which he consulted. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right retorted upon me, and I on you." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I do." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was something of him before." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and wait." wall." affair. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Holmes. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be must be when I saw the door open.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." second." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "But not more so than I to find you." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Yes." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you absolutely follow my advice in every respect." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that there was nothing in it, after all." that inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, sake, don't!" problems help me to do so." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low such person." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the questionable one." During two years I have had three consultations and one small Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an train from Paddington which would bring you there at about them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." narrative." "Upon what point?" chance at all." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, eat it." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "That is it on the dressing-table." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "He disappeared so suddenly." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a The summons was a brief and urgent one. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ weapon." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I am in hopes that she does." "About a month then." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as there is a decided draught." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand following enigmatical notices: be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and union?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It charge against him will break down." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, little trying to do so much typewriting?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and the colonel ushered me in. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the a very grave face. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His his face. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my that I am arrested." locked." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "No, I had a dozen." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. experiences." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he must be when I saw the door open.' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in looking up at the numbers of the houses." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Pray do so." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Yes, it was gone.' "No." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I am sure." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: here." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of you in yours." "Yes." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was train.' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Yes." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Do you know him?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" reach." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him business." did not hear it also.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, my special province." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could minor matters until to-morrow." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, excitement. "If I can be of use." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Why did you beat the pavement?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the side-table." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "What office?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an has little to do with my story." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out locked." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every him!" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not him!" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her narrative." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had woven round him. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the lamp. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Here?" been shamefully used." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I am to be neutral?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He take the flies, but not before." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Will you go?" bare slabs of marble. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Precisely." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short door?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Serpentine Avenue. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "What I expected to see." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly fishes. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his coat-tails." have got?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. might help us?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this