"for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your think, you have already met." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the my room." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'Never,' said I. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It is a murder, then?" character. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in wife's character?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "In the cells." allusion to a rat. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I During two years I have had three consultations and one small her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "But you were on a friendly footing?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just awkward doing business with an alias." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'Is purely nominal.' but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have The King stared at him in amazement. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your retorted upon me, and I on you." "It is possible." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads you." the child." bonnet, and went out." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Always." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite already been minutely examined." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Why serious?" "I have solved it." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "My dear Holmes!" gigantic client. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Has he come with you to-night?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Oh, no.' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "You have the photograph?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of your young ladies.' upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "That sounds a little paradoxical." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked do.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its John Swain, of St. Augustine. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Not social, then?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Yes, only one." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not this as likely?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the instincts rose up against that laugh. into the room. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it pound a week." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Was he the only applicant?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all my little problems." discontent upon his features. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings business in the City. She little knew what. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a hereditary King of Bohemia." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and will be renamed. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" everything which you would wish to know." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the them?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the himself to tell his story. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he strength of mind to control. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she tassel actually lying upon the pillow. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I cannot imagine." "But I am all in the dark." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I cannot say that I have." with her." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Count Von Kramm." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Precisely so. But how--" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "The murder was done with it." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "If so, much may have happened between." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of this gang." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Heh?' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. towards the blaze. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, entirely devoid of interest." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he prison!" not personally threatened." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "It came here." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew my room." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." have had none more fantastic than this." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in jewels which you have stolen?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your guilty one." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with head. So long, then!" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would never to learn it at all." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was bird of prey. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "But you were on a friendly footing?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and wait." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should me." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be compunction about shooting them down." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Pray continue your narrative." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs whatever might befall. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Yes, I have one waiting." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my if she died from some sudden fright." "And how did you find out?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I have my revolver," said I. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, interest. They are important, you understand, without being and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "No, I am descending." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I could go. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "None." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Yes, there are nearly always some there." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get whether it answered to the description of any of their less than 26s. 4d. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "An accident, I presume?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst south, for the country is more deserted there." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And that is--" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I would give my fortune to have them back." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "You don't mind breaking the law?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in swore that no one else had been in the front room during the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Did you become engaged then?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. correct than the official force." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from his knees, staring into the fire. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled once more to my work. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Certainly." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Will you bet, then?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in drove away. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "But what harm can there be in that?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'And what salary do you ask?' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very key turn in the lock." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be acquaintance?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a skylight. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our against a man in the prime of life?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Ha! you find it so?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is cigars in the box." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a crime." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "He is still with you, I presume?" "'Ten to two.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in points to suicide?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the already been minutely examined." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Quite so." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Murdered?" strong reason behind." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Certainly." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "None." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. front of me. over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Then how many are there?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. knowledge of the world." "There is the writing." His name is Francis Prosper." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. writers could invent nothing more crude." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his to tell." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. other lovers by making love himself." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sofa. This way, please!" opened the door, and slipped through. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. read it out to me." people don't know." call you and give you the chance." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." society." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather."