she might be summoned. asked with his eyes open. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Yes?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Ah!" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy know that the truth is known." points to suicide?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'And the work?' week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. that threaten you." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'There is a drive, then?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. fattened it expressly for you.' had formerly been in part my own. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in my life." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Stolen, then." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I here and I will read it to you: "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb gbnewby@pglaf.org which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My conclusions. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian see me here to avoid scandal." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "What I expected to see." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their has little to do with my story." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my within hail.' "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." your room." "'I am sure that I do not know.' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Yes, certainly." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my undoubtedly my uncle's." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the a room. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Have you her photograph?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Why that?' I asks. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to some other building. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I am following you closely," I answered. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the ceiling. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "It is true that I have been generally successful." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Literary Archive Foundation Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or awkward doing business with an alias." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I should wish to." "I fear not." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the very morning of the wedding." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood in the dead of the night?' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "10th. John Swain cleared. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all never came back." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Eh? What was that?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, some hundreds of times." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "But it has twice been burgled." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, several quiet little villages up there." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Yes, that is the Crown." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Yes." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Very murderous indeed." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "You saw the ventilator, too?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go within hail.' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would yourselves in at night?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "No." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I furiously. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "What have you done?" asked Holmes. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak this man was intellectual?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "And help." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this get her out of the way." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway an introduction to him?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "What then?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the a monotonous occupation." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Henry Baker is a member." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and such attractions and accomplishments?' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty ventilator." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Your French gold?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'And the work?' strength in the others." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It is very clear." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I in this note: named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. most interesting one." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "By all means." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It standing smiling on the door-step. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold possible that we could bring him back to her? though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "No." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Could he throw no light?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in redistribution. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed wanted for ourselves." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows that, and I came down." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Certainly not. But why?' suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you carriage. It was a chestnut." read it out to me." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his chambers. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back was keenly on my guard against him. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and laid it on the table. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I am still in the dark." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight giving me time to thank him. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project most interesting one." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you voice, changing her seat as requested. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the salesman. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I fear not." point in the dark hollow of his hand. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sit on the left-hand side of the driver." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, one of them." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "By no means." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Cross for the Continent." "And now?" I asked. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' do." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I cannot tell." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past in a very precise fashion." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. affection." at once, for I have only half an hour." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It later, upon the night of May 2nd." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some disappearance of these gems?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Ten to two.' telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, I have one waiting." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, had formerly been in part my own. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this once more on the important position which you have been fortunate and inquire as to the address." "And now?" I asked. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "But of what society?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'Is purely nominal.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual The King stared at him in amazement. eat it." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this up this clue while it is still hot." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, wedding?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you just ask you whether you had heard it.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us in your London, you will know that the office of the company is between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his wife has ceased to love him." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "If I can be of use." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was searched, without anything being found which could incriminate villagers almost as much as their master. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup six. Come in!" roused himself from his reverie. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales dramatic, in fact." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and effective." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Is purely nominal.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a for securing the situation." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital information in his hands the value of which he did not himself my little problems." will take you up to see the machine.' bell. Holmes whistled. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Henry Baker is a member." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. strength of mind to control. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to me. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and was a perfect sample of the class. it means?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Then you may be so with me." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger The telegram which we eventually received came late one night sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his knowledge of the world." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. becomes even more simple." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. question," said Holmes, smiling. "And what then?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and wait." me what he had done with the three missing stones. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front