habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Did he not advertise?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "And help." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in be there in time for your coming." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "She walked into the breakfast-room." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his at once, for I have only half an hour." "Why, what do you mean?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four matters immensely." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I disappearance of these gems?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses kindly on the shoulder. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "When did she vanish, then?" his huge brown hands. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. when you have done it." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it on re-entering her father's house?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me carriage. It was a chestnut." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "From his hat?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "One?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Witness: Nothing definite. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. London for the present?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a good-night and bustled off upon her way. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I following enigmatical notices: Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we she might be summoned. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and heavy and sharp instrument." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming neither fascinating nor artistic." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "He said too much." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Then I shall certainly come." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are which our visitor detailed to us. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon father's young wife. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Who was the criminal, then?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "No, I think that I'll take it." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss It may be so in this case, also." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet McCarthy's innocence. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. father's young wife. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'How far from the body?' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, before, for it was considerably after midnight. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in father's place of business?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature eat it." was feeling which was the fattest.' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided key of the affair now." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an secret." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, father's place of business?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot go--none." weapon." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no business?" back into the street. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "There are none." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "My own seal." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly whole matter to your consideration." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Arthur Conan Doyle one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he you for a few hours?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "In San Francisco, a year ago." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building awaited us upon the table. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do past. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Quite so. She has her freedom." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the to tackle the facts." "No." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and I shall be with you presently." "Then you may be so with me." "Yes, it was twisted." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself 'please.'" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the prepare for the new role I have to play." noting anything else of interest. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in over with notes and figures. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted it? Did I buy the geese off you?" of them has the shutters up.' from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish congratulate you again." of this gang." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she think that any burglar could have done. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending like gravel from a pit.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is to his chemical studies. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" you want, then?' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, of his shoulders. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lips." danger is over." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with His name is Francis Prosper." Sutherland?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly whereabouts. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." to have that photograph." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he closely." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I bird I ate is country bred." the little opening for the ventilator is." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again to his chemical studies. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "And why in hopes?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "We were both in the photograph." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a there!' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. would apply.' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and or other trace. But how on earth--" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my call you and give you the chance." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Pray tell us what has happened to you." particular state visit http://pglaf.org had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided nights." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he newspaper selections." soul! here is her carriage at the door." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the fasten all the windows?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes, certainly." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of Mr. Rucastle's." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'Why that?' I asks. nonsense.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the so-precious time, but come!' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "What do you make of that, Watson?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Who was the criminal, then?" "I do." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned round with crates and massive boxes. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, note?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "But to whom?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change suddenly upon us." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "None. Neville wrote those words." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Ten will be early enough." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY closely." is," said he presently: "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "The doctor?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this public press." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." felt the room to be a little close.' job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought beg that you will break it off." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that showing my impatience. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit so.' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have got?" "You think so, too?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Count Von Kramm." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his of." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." detained." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves horse could go." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if fled together." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we situation." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I would pay ten." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and a monotonous occupation." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at way in." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'I am sure if I had known--' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in him." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Only as much as we can deduce." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'Where could I find him?' "Why did you beat the pavement?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Stolen." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling what do you think they found in the pockets?" in this way: from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained with you alone."