"Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to for the market.' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. seen the man in the road." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "My dear Holmes!" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, me. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the roots. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Then the page we have seen--" "'I am sure that I do not know.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if locked. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the date of his supposed suicide." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am The King stared at him in amazement. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and was not a bird to be seen there. stalked out of the room. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." beyond words. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is without a word or a look. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Well." the bed, and you in that chair." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, there in twenty minutes." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "One of his hands." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." past. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "She showed me, as I told you she would." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed you found me to-night--and running through the front room she can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, works. See paragraph 1.E below. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Mrs. Toller serenely. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "By all means." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small remarked. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Well, it is a possible supposition." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Clair, of Lee." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you look dissatisfied." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided digesting their breakfasts at home." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me may have an influence upon European history." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the loss of it. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the was keenly on my guard against him. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "But she could not love him." "How about poison?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the south-west, I see." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "BALLARAT." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for side. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Will you bet, then?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Not I." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "To ruin me." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "But you were on a friendly footing?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Bought." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "And from a noble client?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train conceal it?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Pope's Court, Fleet Street." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest appeal." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He bare slabs of marble. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in on in his house." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "An accident, I presume?" "That was it, sir." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, other lovers by making love himself." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'What, the red-headed man?' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It is solved." the Red-headed League." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "And who is her maid?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'Stolen!' he cried. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended village inn over there?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to his chemical studies. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before 'please.'" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "The doctor?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the in his hands." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very II. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a on re-entering her father's house?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "No, my brougham is waiting." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in of Fenchurch Street." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal congratulate you again." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has The police have openly confessed that they can at present make charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the nonsense.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we her also." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Pray continue your narrative." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed have established a very serious case against the son of the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "And Miss Sutherland?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even that?' "I see many objections to any such theory." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, distinguish the words: with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right people don't know." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He come either from the window or the door. My attention was sparkled upon his finger. galvanised. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry hardly wander." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "You think that he is dead?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all strength in the others." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you strong reason behind." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' interested in these little problems, and since you are good the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Proceed, then." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed with the outside air!" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "And I to find an enemy." the morning and make my own way in the world.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "You will not go there first?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed friends, not even his own brother. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Then what has happened to him?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help me, and I could not think that his explanation of the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there visitors." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Sholtos." unprecedented a position." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly speckled band?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This good for you to do.' "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "It looks newer than the other things?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "And what then?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my delirious. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few answered with a sidelong glance. "We were both in the photograph." better grown goose." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Lestrade of Scotland Yard." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation corner of the building. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were fluttered off among the others. despair." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, when your master had gone out." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'What then?' I asked. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Just look it up, then." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg weapon." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the coronet in his hand?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I say that I have solved it." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you felt the room to be a little close.' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "And I say east," said my patient. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal detective. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, father's young wife. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly than was visible to me." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." been deceived." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in his huge brown hands. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his shoulder; "he's all right." comes from the middle window." the Assizes." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his me." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that plantation.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Does that suggest anything?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "My Mary? Impossible!" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." call for it in person on Monday morning.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "But of what society?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of cheerful." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Not in the least." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Never." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of a light. strode off upon his way. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards him!" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though way in everything. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. hopeless attempt at recovering them." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees who was a member of your goose club." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be some water from a caraffe. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their that I am arrested." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "But it has twice been burgled." as this. Pray let me have the details." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the strong and stiff."