"Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events tell them apart.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, one of the states of the Union." derbies." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. as this. Pray let me have the details." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural conversation I have gathered that they have been married about had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward politicians who had been sent down from the North. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the conclusions. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, business." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business better in every way that they should make their position a little through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no walking." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular you want, then?' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "That was it, sir." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm frequently gained my first real insight into the character of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Never.' sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend do.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "But how did you gain them?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated present." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "How can you tell that?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My means taking possession of that which another person has a prior reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A him!" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the window, rose as we entered. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not if only as a check to my own memory." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "My Mary? Impossible!" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, which it had come upon my father." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. detective. "That also I could fathom." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so call you and give you the chance." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm interested in these little problems, and since you are good you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian formed some opinion?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I fear not." Does that suggest anything?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to directors, with the result that you have seen." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and excitement. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." sound at heart." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'Which dealer's?' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "What can it mean?" I gasped. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Why, what do you mean?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "In which, sir?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." handed it to him. You want to know what became of those geese?" "About a month then." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off country, and eventually married, without anyone having a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a go back?" "That is it on the dressing-table." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I thin legs towards the fire. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing brain must have something in it." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had ill-usage at the hands of fortune. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real good for you to do.' mystery!" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Where, then, is my wife?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Look there!" said he. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the very morning of the wedding." papers on the sundial.'" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the of this gang." habit of advancing money.' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Not social, then?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled room had already been engaged for us. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did your troubles." good-night and bustled off upon her way. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook crime. down. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. room. away to you." carried out of court." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she together. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your at home. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It is to him that this trophy belongs." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in a friendly supper." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found have I gained?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to me. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. comes from the middle window." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to yourselves in at night?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I hour." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "So I have heard." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one detained." "Will you go?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are prisoner's face. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully looking up at the numbers of the houses." friend's singular character. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I shall communicate with you." "I say it is." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the see me here to avoid scandal." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no with frightened eyes at his accuser. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Oh, yes, easily." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "My dear Holmes!" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I say it is." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "That is easily got." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here disappearance of the bride.'" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our companion imperturbably. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it lectures into a series of tales." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make bell. Holmes whistled. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him of the way of danger. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious any more." to that open window." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and visitors." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector very old mansion. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Not I." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'Where to?' battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the formed some opinion?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Who was the criminal, then?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We again on its way. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would are windows in it, of course?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution already been minutely examined." "I was mad--insane." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." room had already been engaged for us. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. that on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Yes, at the mines." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "How did you deduce the select?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single invisible to me," I remarked. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Yes, sir." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I beg pardon." disappearance of these gems?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I have a cab outside." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her think, you have already met." "Were they all fastened this morning?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "BALLARAT." cause to be." village inn over there?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what gone before you can get him to hospital." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Sutherland?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of the one which your family is now devouring." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Who by?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Tired-looking or fresh?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, plantation.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower rooms." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "The King of Scandinavia." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who invisible to me," I remarked. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a to that open window." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of His smile broadened. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It is his hat." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical will take you up to see the machine.' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he you in yours." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a *** START: FULL LICENSE *** marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Really! You surprise me." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue himself in a perplexing position. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "The Cedars?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "On Monday." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?"