for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "On Monday." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "He is still with you, I presume?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the King without delay." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "So I have heard." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the address that was given us in the advertisement. "But who is he?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one later, upon the night of May 2nd." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa you." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and seven miles from Eyford Station.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "That was it, sir." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his with you alone." "'Yes, sir.' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where there is a decided draught." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or could not have written that. It is the German who is so refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. clanging. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "What is it, then--a fire?" wall." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" of this gang." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left been deceived." became a certainty. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in the port of London." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was not a bird to be seen there. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of it with his own hands." "And when will you call?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the case-book, which he consulted. was shining brightly. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the and the whole place is in a blaze." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what least a fellow-countryman. said I. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are matters immensely." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right corner of the building. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then outsides of the windows. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Very much so." quickly through a disagreeable task. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "But it has twice been burgled." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Certainly, madam." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or hour?' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Project Gutenberg-tm works. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it not come at once?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I locked." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is intrusion of other matters." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've perplexity from it to my illustrious client. row." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had brought there to personate someone, and the real person is especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'And what salary do you ask?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain problems help me to do so." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong anything to do with the matter?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would figure." once more to my work. you?' "He said that you could solve anything." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." more solid." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Ample." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it she slowly sank and died without having recovered her http://www.gutenberg.net "It is no ordinary one." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which on re-entering her father's house?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at wedding?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Is purely nominal.' come either from the window or the door. My attention was "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the little trying to do so much typewriting?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Nothing." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her been deceived." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what security.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "No more words. Get out!" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "How many? I don't know." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with congratulate you again." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' then?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, as yours." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler have one." instincts rose up against that laugh. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Oh, yes, easily." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. dead, shall be safe with us." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "That sounds a little paradoxical." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I situation." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the night.' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a in one or two places in England?' just called myself is not exactly my own." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a was feeling which was the fattest.' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John His name is Francis Prosper." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked bearing upon the case." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Sutherland. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" locked. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "One of his hands." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "And what then?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every records." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker begin with, and I had not got mine yet." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "But your client--" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the but preventing her from injuring another. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Not in the least." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Project Gutenberg-tm works. when your master had gone out." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Then he might have called to you?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "What steps will you take?" I asked. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of Fenchurch Street." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite pictures, libraries, or plate. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What then?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll clanging. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." take the flies, but not before." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among key turn in the lock." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in least a most suspicious remark." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him had this final quarrel? "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself charged with?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Why that?' I asks. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do bill, which interests me deeply." papers must be those that are destroyed.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "By all means." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to felt the room to be a little close.' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I guessed as much." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "And your mother is alive?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated said I. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "I will try. What is it?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, morning." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Pope's Court. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Where, then, is my wife?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my envelope. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the think, you have already met." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, leaning back in his chair. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Very. But will he see it?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I are, and they are waiting for us." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Do you know him?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, correct than the official force." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Then how many are there?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! nice household for a young lady." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would like gravel from a pit.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Yes, all." "I do." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Nothing?" Mrs. Toller serenely. with her." "How do you know, then?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "There is the writing." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything John Swain, of St. Augustine. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting in this way: sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting have had none more fantastic than this." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was British peeress.'" writing, and yet I know it well." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for ashen face. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage God! What an exposure! What can I do?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close your Highness to the police-station?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Absolutely?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Has he come with you to-night?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his it." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Yes. He waved his hands." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears point our research must commence, and we will begin it by it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical into the bag, and made for the door. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "How did you deduce the select?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "No, finished." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was