"But what will you do?" train.' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I what these perils are?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young footfalls from the street. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, exactly what you advise." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Well, some hundreds of times." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of." "It missed him, then?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "May I see it?" should be so warm over such a trifle." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there she used." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I was afraid that you were engaged." visitors." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and second window is the one that I jumped from." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" once more to my work. "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. amused." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Certainly, madam." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported straighten it?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "A client, then?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask which it had come upon my father." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given ago." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the me." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood he bowed and left the room without another word. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital that seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists you." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. this Miss Turner." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Very truly yours, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of the way of danger. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be sofa. This way, please!" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." morning." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, beyond words. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "No." "Did you become engaged then?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Pray continue your narrative." "Yes, I have one waiting." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Yes, at the mines." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It is true that I have been generally successful." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Ten to two.' "At half-wages, in fact." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town himself to hunt down. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "The best possible." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. just called myself is not exactly my own." to a more successful conclusion." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the legal crime." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety once more to my work. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes." to take care of herself." made his money." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more question. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." to Leatherhead. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Not in a good cause." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the running down." "Stolen, then." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further of his shoulders. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Yes, he did." photograph?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. our word." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "It was an hour's good drive." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying trying to your nerves." married her." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly during which he might have communicated with his friend the forbidden door. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'I have already given you my word.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Ample.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his appointment with me for six o'clock?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "It is solved." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and have this put in the evening papers." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There some water from a caraffe. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill this Miss Turner." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must train from Paddington which would bring you there at about details should find their way into the papers. Inspector course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Leave Paddington by the 11:15." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. one of them." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "That is not always so easy." "Is he quiet?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "It is possible." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "And your mother is alive?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to-night?" I asked. congenial hunt. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its indiscretion." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Witness: It was. "Nothing." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Mary, has deserted me." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "What then?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices infinite languor in his face. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "A client, then?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the pierced for earrings?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in darkness. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful detained." friend's singular character. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, national property. I was determined that the law should have its that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little your room." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "On your arm?" business." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my business at Coburg Square is serious." his grey eyes. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Did your wife hear all this?" out." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "In San Francisco, a year ago." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "What is it?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," your bag." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an second." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to to tackle the facts." during that time.' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "That is not always so easy." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was was not a bird to be seen there. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Dirty?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "How did that help you?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the Red-headed League." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared placed his cuttings. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, gigantic client. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently fattened it expressly for you.' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we been." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as said he at last. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is think, you have already met." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so key turn in the lock." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible this remarkable episode. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "But what is it you wish?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "No, I am descending." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was enter into my head.