your sleep?' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people existence." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" awkward doing business with an alias." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in gentleman's clothes. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the little opening for the ventilator is." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the iron safe, which he closed upon it. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet introspective fashion. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I cannot tell." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Surrey." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' not within a twentieth part of the market price." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with side. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the tied." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an cigar and let me expound." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to there is a decided draught." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That photograph a cabinet?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which held up the lantern and gazed about him. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." cigars in their mouths. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I am about to be married." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'I have already given you my word.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as spark where all is dark to me." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the so-precious time, but come!' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax with her." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. more solid." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "What do you mean?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in spare." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, was not a bird to be seen there. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've tail." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated made his money." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been as the one I chose?' disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of the vacancies.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell were wasted." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' anything to do with the matter?" posted to-day." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between notes," he said. "My dear Holmes!" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It 1.E.9. as he folded up the epistle. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. redistribution. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more presume?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "A confidential servant?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "Yes, at the mines." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. enough to aid us in our search." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. shall use the carriage to-night." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "What! a murderous attack?" to-night?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I forehead. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I shall be delighted." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. you came in." shoulder; "he's all right." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were legal crime." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Here?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Never to return." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "But his lameness?" name is different." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And how did you verify them?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." imbecility!" he cried. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers to Leatherhead. "Then I can wait in the next room." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "My photograph." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which swore that no one else had been in the front room during the arrested. You then--" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "But how?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say something of him before." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst answer." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the bottom.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The King of Scandinavia." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, acted in my house last night?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "My Mary? Impossible!" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in signal between you and your father? your room." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "About a month then." might help us?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any The note was undated, and without either signature or address. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of chair. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not hand, madam?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to-night's adventure." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb plantation.' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to-night's adventure." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," approach us with offers to donate. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "But how will you look?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to that open window." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of London for the present?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, your equipment. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." easy-going way." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But how?" observed. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know any little problem which you may submit to me." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "He said that you could solve anything." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the salesman. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have swore that no one else had been in the front room during the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Where, then, is my wife?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt tail." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You will not go there first?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if information in his hands the value of which he did not himself darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to said he. with you alone." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "But who is he?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: towards the blaze. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of works. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "You were travelling in the States?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend allusion to a rat. works. See paragraph 1.E below. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will was keenly on my guard against him. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" my secret was safe in his possession. "VIOLET HUNTER." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "He is dead," cried several voices. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her you want, then?' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a if only as a check to my own memory." than was visible to me." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He think that any burglar could have done. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and that he would see to anything that turned up. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "And you can do nothing until then?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Holmes' room. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the little adventures." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "From his hat?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my all?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as himself to hunt down. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. not come at once?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "My stepfather's business papers." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the stable lane now." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "But his lameness?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so I was concerned in it." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be good-night and bustled off upon her way. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For What do you deduce from it?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an province." carpenter." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." here and I will read it to you: arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken The police have openly confessed that they can at present make gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A one else, I think." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular silent! Oh, he will be silent!' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I never have." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and the whole place is in a blaze." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen at a side door. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" there!' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he fattened it expressly for you.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit she used." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court newspaper selections." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "No." six. Come in!" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about tell them apart.' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I was mad--insane." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was humiliation." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, leaning back in his chair. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the better in every way that they should make their position a little street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening."