"Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but has little to do with my story." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my morning." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the driver. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "And your father? Did you tell him?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the gone. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years existence." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting upon the white wrist. the running down." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was letters?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution next day. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Look there!" said he. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be never to learn it at all." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Did you observe the colour?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Eh? What was that?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door for its centre. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from suggested at once that there must be a communication between the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "But your client--" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' time." "And I say east," said my patient. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, lips." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "No." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "No bad?" vanished into the darkness. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but closely." I have it here in my museum." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, door?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "That you are never beaten." highly," said Holmes. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, manager. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And the cigar-holder?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little mystery." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing ordinary clothes on?" "Certainly." 1.E.9. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began business at Coburg Square is serious." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the husband's writing, madam." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the in his hands." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how http://gutenberg.net/license). laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Absolutely none." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to affect your life." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone galvanised. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "I would give my fortune to have them back." walking." hurried away. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said 11:15.' "On Monday." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that of the way of danger. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was outsides of the windows. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Never to return." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the coronet in his hands?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't like that before?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should believe that I should never have any practice at all. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally mysterious business." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for notes," he said. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "But you can know nothing of this?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "The knees of his trousers." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered into her hand at the door and which lured her within their pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Serpentine Avenue. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend likely to be some crony of the landlady's." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled them present such singular features as the strange train of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence way in everything. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. chance." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the side. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when despair." even of instruction." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The best possible." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "How did you trace it, then?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." go--none." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at gone. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs notes," he said. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of furiously. "Ah!" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "In heaven's name, what for?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper you." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. bill, which interests me deeply." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, sake, don't!" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab certainly do as you advise." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the do." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept business?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of criminal. We have already had experience of such." and the church but not where the lady lived." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Won't it ring?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see writer." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Holmes. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Where did he live, then?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, of a light. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured to go into your room and bar your shutters?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated shadow pass over his face as I spoke. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the matter." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we a little more before I quite committed myself. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important off." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. British peeress.'" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Of Friday, June 19th." fluttered off among the others. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." in. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own think, you have already met." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "What can you not understand?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Always." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I am armed." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, note?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been paper in the air. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "What is it, then--a fire?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to sooner or later she must fall a victim. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. have got?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon meant it for the best. "I am following you closely," I answered. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church at once, for I have only half an hour." investigation." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies know that the truth is known." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "But we can't all be." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." do.' quick march!" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the been with you?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all there when the Rucastles went away." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted gives a meaning to it." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as disappearance of these gems?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "He slept on the premises." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and standing smiling on the door-step. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A investigation." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had habit of advancing money.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY likely to be some crony of the landlady's." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You think that he is dead?" "It is a murder, then?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin where we are going." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. was not a bird to be seen there. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem wanted for ourselves." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior call it cruel." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain strong reason behind." "But she will refuse." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been distinguish the words: up this clue while it is still hot." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "My dear Holmes!" seen the man in the road." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right question you as to those details which seem to me to be most settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in colour had been driven from his face. "I would give my fortune to have them back." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging might have a private word with us. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance."