"You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "But I am all in the dark." "No good news?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the salesman. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the wedding?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: national property. I was determined that the law should have its "You have compromised yourself seriously." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Ten will be early enough." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, http://gutenberg.net/license). "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You have but to name it." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank tear off another piece?' "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "In the cells." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and remarked. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning had picked up in the wood. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the matter." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "You have compromised yourself seriously." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Your French gold?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three down from London to inquire more deeply into it." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent union?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this rooms." been with you?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "It is solved." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, hour." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "And I to find an enemy." have got?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" conceal it?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of confronted him. never to learn it at all." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you horse could go." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations points to suicide?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "You will not go there first?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which new acquaintance to Baker Street. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Won't it ring?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I say it is." results." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a where she found matters as described by the last witness. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You are hungry," I remarked. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my reach." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed asked. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are key turn in the lock." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, it is a possible supposition." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and seen the man in the road." lost his Christmas dinner." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Holmes." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Your French gold?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I will not look." problems help me to do so." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I will try. What is it?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in there was no need for father to know." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my them present such singular features as the strange train of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any like that before?" success. kindly on the shoulder. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." have an American origin." that he will be back before evening." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in other lovers by making love himself." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy crowd. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs pictures, libraries, or plate. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will in darkness. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Not in the least." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "The King of Scandinavia." row." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up John Swain, of St. Augustine. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without in a very precise fashion." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Yes." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, very old mansion. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, conclusions. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "His face fell immediately. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon goes." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing question. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which is," said he presently: a little more before I quite committed myself. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Again Holmes raved in the air. long narrative. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "That is not always so easy." row." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had a long day." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional asked with his eyes open. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I fact, we may call it conclusive." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. breakfast." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Dirty?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Murdered?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Imitated." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen him. companion. infinite languor in his face. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I became a certainty. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no indeed happy." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free ago." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," your troubles." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Never." to talk it over. "What shall I do?" tell them apart.' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the made his money." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking overpowering excitement and concern. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. sake, don't!" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came them, and came down just as you departed. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months swore that no one else had been in the front room during the she might be summoned. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Very murderous indeed." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we easy-going way." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when appeared upon the scene." "Then what has happened to him?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "By train from Waterloo." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Eyford at 11:15.' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should meanly of me." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Come in!" said he. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "But you were on a friendly footing?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the general public were present, then?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What clang of the bell. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort union?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow was shining brightly. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he business matters.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "What then?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." trifles." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes fear." "Yes, at the mines." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose could go. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "And I." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of must be when I saw the door open.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It is very kind of you." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you appeal." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking a good hundred miles off by now." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "No, I had a dozen." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off