just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for would then never go into court at all." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I am still in the dark." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "No more words. Get out!" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it he bowed and left the room without another word. call you and give you the chance." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and speckled band?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I was sure that I might rely on you." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" clanging. delirious. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before at a side door. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. character. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to started for the Temple to see my husband. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her passage and a tap at the door. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other a little more before I quite committed myself. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a annoyance, but no jest. crime. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and soul! here is her carriage at the door." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." that he has suffered." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes again on its way. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way into the room. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I have hopes." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from roused himself from his reverie. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then burst out into a roar of laughter. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, promised to bring home. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Ah!" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "To ruin me." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck 1.F. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" prison!" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Here?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his foot. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little young Openshaw's." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'About the same.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, whereabouts. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations kindly on the shoulder. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an extraordinary contortions. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no least a most suspicious remark." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time on re-entering her father's house?" quick march!" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Then let me do so?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect these bleak autumnal evenings." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Witness: I must still refuse. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Yes. He waved his hands." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third written, and locked the door of the office after me. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the inquest, and which are worth considering." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Sholtos." "Certainly." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'Where to?' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Thank you. And your address?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and never will be, entirely cleared up. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "No. What a strange idea!" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter late!' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "How long did she speak to this Alice?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who with frightened eyes at his accuser. door?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. pound a week." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "The King of Scandinavia." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from DAMAGE. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, clanging. train.' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "How are you getting on?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I sound at heart." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The telegram which we eventually received came late one night as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was whereabouts. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "It is true that I have been generally successful." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which spare." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more My friend smiled. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the King without delay." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen legal crime." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Whose house is it?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to answer." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You any." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an house for five minutes.' as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the him!" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "And Miss Sutherland?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no your billet.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend chamber." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'It is locked up,' I answered. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of me. You must get home instantly and act." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it promised to bring home. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down enough to aid us in our search." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the sake, don't!" the stable lane now." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the coroner come to?" "Yes." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the little opening for the ventilator is." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Yes, sir.' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and all of them with the keenest interest. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "To ruin me." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is nothing of it?" voice. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I never have." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, events, Mr. Windibank!" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was like gravel from a pit.' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed forehead. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me careless servant girl?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest jewels which you have stolen?' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose ways of our fellow-men." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Your sister is dead, then?" DAMAGE. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of Mr. Rucastle's." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. charge against him will break down." 1.F. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off it means?" Gutenberg-tm License. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "How on earth--" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and whereabouts. "I cannot imagine." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Then you may entirely rely on me." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Where, then?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging pierced for earrings?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the matter." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms even so self-evident a thing as that." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us quickly through a disagreeable task. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I don't say that. Perhaps." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. opened the door, and slipped through. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young he died? the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "You will not go there first?" drawing your inferences." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the in his power. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "No, finished." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at upon an income of about 60 pounds." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging himself to hunt down. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water completely overtopped every other consideration that we both meant." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "He might." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes, at the mines." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the