have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the whole matter to your consideration." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the putting in the horse. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he as he remarks, very much against the son." to have that photograph." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman direction." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the stones. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to call for it in person on Monday morning.' "But what is it you wish?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that in a very precise fashion." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Proceed, then." "Have you her photograph?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable this unhappy family?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his that you can jump it.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third place no limit on the sum I may draw." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we six. Come in!" matter over." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. foot. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light are windows in it, of course?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in floor. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere not as remarkable as your advertisement." Farm upon the left." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was closely." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing directly by questioning you." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round your billet.' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I tension within him. purpose equally well?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I beg pardon." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "But who is he?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable case-book, which he consulted. think that he is innocent?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he in a friendly supper." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said skylight. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and the whole place is in a blaze." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and the church but not where the lady lived." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Indeed! Whose, then?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her instituted." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, against a man in the prime of life?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. forbidden door. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room call you and give you the chance." upon the white wrist. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it congratulate you again." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I say that I have solved it." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am States. Holmes' room. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot in your London, you will know that the office of the company is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the King without delay." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, had this final quarrel? the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I beg pardon." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Always." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, my room." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in to tell." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I answered that I had not. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use narrative." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the address. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Yes." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" through." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the quite distinctive." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. I was concerned in it." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. once more to my work. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, trying to your nerves." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "What are they?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as case-book, which he consulted. character. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. highly," said Holmes. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the read it out to me." of." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I am in hopes that she does." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. will he say when he returns?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same cigars in the box." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, coroner's jury." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather about. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself wedding?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." opportunities to fix the problem. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you again, where I was soon asleep. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I done what I asked you, Jones?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the very letters. But what is this written above them?' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "How did he come?" the salesman. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in said he. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard ill-usage at the hands of fortune. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune lumber-room." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, at home. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the attention." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am was already answered. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond it. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be asked with his eyes open. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, were wasted." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming papers on the sundial.'" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." are windows in it, of course?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "To the police?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect in one or two places in England?' be.' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Pray let us have it, for all that." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "If so, much may have happened between." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in my life." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Quite so. She has her freedom." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "And how did you verify them?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And how in the world did you find them?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the gone. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Then he might have called to you?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. jewels which you have stolen?' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose of this gang." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his locked." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for voice, changing her seat as requested. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. always that they were such commands as a lady might with here." see a sister of mine apply for." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'Stolen!' he cried. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. any little problem which you may submit to me." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "ARAT," I read. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I meanly of me." "And how did you find out?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson with the outside air!" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good weigh very heavily upon my conscience." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them bears upon the case?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Pray be precise as to details," said he. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I think that it is very probable." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had the bed, and you in that chair." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It is no ordinary one." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told prisoner's face. events than those which have happened in my own family." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. promised to bring home. brandy and water within his reach. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Where is it, then?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout minor matters until to-morrow." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the tragedy. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from information in his hands the value of which he did not himself It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and said Mr. Holder. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great DISSOLVED. relief. "Yes." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and inquire as to the address." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other him." "Indeed! Whose, then?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. started for the Temple to see my husband. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. business at Coburg Square is serious." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such