written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to I leave." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what my special province." "Why? What do you mean?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' pierced for earrings?" "The best possible." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said carpenter." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "That you are never beaten." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his arrangements." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "It was." you, my dear young lady?' think you a quite exceptional woman." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with better in every way that they should make their position a little "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the look dissatisfied." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." chance." so far?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few vanished into the darkness. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is kindly on the shoulder. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "You have the photograph?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Nothing." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've bearing upon the case." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "In which, sir?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. the salesman. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET his grey eyes. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. husband's writing, madam." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent right! Sit down and let us talk it over." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "And did you observe any change in her then?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she know what is wrong with it.' have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "A client, then?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to British peeress.'" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination know all about it," he snarled. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house pictures, libraries, or plate. that you wished to speak to me?' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a situation." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I say that I have solved it." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton business came to an end." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am weapon." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do leave you to your papers for a little." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." to-night?' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never problems help me to do so." and capable of preserving a secret.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my situation." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked waste of energy." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George as the one I chose?' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this up this clue while it is still hot." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Yes, it was twisted." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that shoulder. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent second window is the one that I jumped from." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of this gang." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for American. Then who could this American be, and why should he exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Why did you beat the pavement?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need furiously. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation kindly on the shoulder. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "A client, then?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, His name is Francis Prosper." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old his face which made him a very different person to the round, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not This is what he says: you in yours." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand late!' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. people in all walks of life. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I cannot as yet see any connection." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was a loud and authoritative tap. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' bachelor.' "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was becomes even more simple." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Perhaps we may make them less so." said I. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Pope's Court. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with posted to-day." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" green of the new foliage. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you woven round him. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Yes?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I cannot as yet see any connection." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the London for the present?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the coronet in his hand?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of go from here to the Strand." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Dr. Gregory B. Newby lids now and glanced across at his visitor. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend grasp, he hurried from the room. "Quite so." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the Assizes." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway simple cases which are so extremely difficult." lost his Christmas dinner." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Have you good authority for what you say?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his anything to do with the matter?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'I have heard so.' call the police, let the police find what they can.' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." new duties?' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" extraordinary contortions. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner records." of receipt of the work. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "And why?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. within hail.' legal crime." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the distinguish the words: clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet evidence," I remarked. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he upon the white wrist. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you take the flies, but not before." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was thirty. green of the new foliage. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed yet." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Were they all fastened this morning?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." presented more singular features than that which was associated "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "None." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it said I. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in easy-going way." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Dark enough and sinister enough." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. my friend's incisive reasoning. "Bought." "You don't mind breaking the law?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to conduct the inquiry." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Did he not advertise?" "No, but the enclosure is." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Deserted you?" Holmes' thin, eager face. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried cost them two and thirty pounds." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'There is a drive, then?' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems in. "'Entirely.' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the coronet at all injured?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My weighed down with some great anxiety. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an get her out of the way." "Not I." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to an introduction to him?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "No, I am descending." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' that he has suffered." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away beyond words. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Certainly." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there without a word or a look. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Where, then, is my wife?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Was she in good spirits?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and weighed down with some great anxiety. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Well." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" leave you to your papers for a little." everything which you would wish to know." arrangements." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and no precautions can guard against." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had with frightened eyes at his accuser. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of certainly not very gracious." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Quite so. She has her freedom." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I held the little printed slip to the light. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a our word." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the hard-headed British jury." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm upon the shelf for the interim."