have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked room?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. to a more successful conclusion." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." weapon." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Whose house is it?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; or other trace. But how on earth--" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this the nursery. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Pray let us have it, for all that." "We have tried and failed." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open you?' "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Not I." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "And did you observe any change in her then?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head to-night." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child way: "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I will try. What is it?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to Leatherhead. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the stable lane now." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "So I am. Very much so." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Indeed! Whose, then?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last to-night?' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. London for the present?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the carried out of court." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, that he will be back before evening." used to be." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Yes." mysterious end." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in opened the door, and slipped through. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "My own seal." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the like that before?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman lamp in his hand. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a orange pips. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under shall not find me ungrateful." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Yes." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, photograph a cabinet?" Where does the thing come from?' to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Foundation suggested at once that there must be a communication between the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the distinguish the words: Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his McCarthy." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Yes." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, this remarkable episode. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we was keenly on my guard against him. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few occupations.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes compunction about shooting them down." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me asked. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "How did you trace it, then?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Is he quiet?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every at home. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Yes, sir." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Yes, I promise.' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "What are they?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Ten will be early enough." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I should wish to." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "And why?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be appeared upon the scene." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said a little more before I quite committed myself. "What! a murderous attack?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had relation between them, and what the object of his repeated nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Yes, they were peculiar boots." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "May I see it?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, had picked up in the wood. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the coronet in his hand?" "My dear Holmes!" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such be.' "And the murderer?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I village inn over there?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but unprofitable." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce them, and came down just as you departed. golden eyeglasses. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Her father is very rich?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "On Monday." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "He is still with you, I presume?" compunction about shooting them down." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the very morning of the wedding." "'Why that?' I asks. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Ten will be early enough." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Lestrade of Scotland Yard." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those spare." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "It is his hat." IS that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Your sister is dead, then?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have returned to France?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No good news?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Where to?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her mystery may be cleared along those lines." crime. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to carried out of court." everything which you would wish to know." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of enough to aid us in our search." affair. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he His name is Francis Prosper." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, security.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house test if we have an answer to our advertisement." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "None." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of the efforts of the United States government and of the better a little more before I quite committed myself. main points of my analysis." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their papers." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil tear off another piece?' Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty bird I ate is country bred." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon had formerly been in part my own. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary infinite languor in his face. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the success. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as pound a week." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "You will not go there first?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "No, distinctly professional." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Pray continue your narrative." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes, only one." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a humiliation." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a for its centre. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up you." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have room had already been engaged for us. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "And is that all?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Never to return." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing putting in the horse. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, 1.F. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Holmes. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." But Holmes shook his head gravely. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I think it very unlikely." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My directly by questioning you." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining him, that man would not have given me such complete information - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party than was visible to me." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the upon a handsome competence. that you wished to speak to me?' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the views." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that he has suffered." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'Where could I find him?' time." and capable of preserving a secret.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable noble correspondent could be. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "By no means." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "I cannot tell." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Street. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "The King of Scandinavia." thirty. tell me that you intended to go into harness." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Well." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just speckled band?" and effective." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?"