for the market.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the child." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three The summons was a brief and urgent one. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. helping a boy to put up the shutters. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my strode off upon his way. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the little opening for the ventilator is." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I would pay ten." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "What shall I do?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "But your client--" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your man. I know him from the photograph." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Well?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a door?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." take the flies, but not before." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "She told me to ask you." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my call for it in person on Monday morning.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our few hundred pounds.' "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "What, then?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and highly," said Holmes. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Stolen!' he cried. vanished into the darkness. "How on earth--" you came in." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he cup of tea. Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and the church but not where the lady lived." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, in the hope of finding them." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' address. in my life." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will call the police, let the police find what they can.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She a very grave face. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I came to find a friend." himself in a perplexing position. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of been able to understand it, in a very few words. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you one of the states of the Union." window when the police appeared." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and meant it for the best. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, hair?' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" spare." Stoke Moran." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Lestrade of Scotland Yard." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Upon what point?" went to the Alpha were town bred." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should have got?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "By train from Waterloo." "No, distinctly professional." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off had this final quarrel? "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Precisely so. But how--" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Then how many are there?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Did you become engaged then?" constraint." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Very truly yours, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes as he folded up the epistle. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the child." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. some city in a dream. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." key of the affair now." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture washing it down with a long draught of water. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the sooner or later she must fall a victim. before the coroner and the police-court." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "But you would not advise me to refuse?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "What steps will you take?" I asked. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and inquire as to the address." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back to have that photograph." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two his eyes and forehead. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called least a fellow-countryman. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" his face which made him a very different person to the round, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I came to find a friend." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Not in the least." peculiar to him. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and be.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "How can you tell that?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted open." "'Stolen!' he cried. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "In what way?" asked Holmes. Chief Executive and Director last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'Ten to two.' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" handed it to him. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce may never be exposed to such a temptation." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then that threaten you." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to have that photograph." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little second window is the one that I jumped from." to a light-house. I leave." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Then you may be so with me." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless national property. I was determined that the law should have its which it had come upon my father." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "It is no ordinary one." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did everything which you would wish to know." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place I shall communicate with you." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing front of me. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and them, and came down just as you departed. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square had died away into the silence from which it rose. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very arrested. You then--" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that case before our client came into the room." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to served to weaken the effect. "Absolutely?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. you give your casting vote to?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Imitated." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found companion. not within a twentieth part of the market price." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! window when the police appeared." that he will be back before evening." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of colonel looking down at me. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect burst out into a roar of laughter. you in yours." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "No." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned his eyes and forehead. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Here?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "There is the writing." "Eh? What was that?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle second window is the one that I jumped from." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was note?" "And help." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the coronet in his hand?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which I. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "But his lameness?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Which dealer's?' explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich points in connection with it which never have been, and probably wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I say that I have solved it." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I cannot tell." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been indeed happy." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had tapping his fingers upon the table. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." throat." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a he. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "How did that help you?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be it were putty." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But quickly through a disagreeable task. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "VIOLET HUNTER." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, tail." never to learn it at all." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the inquest, and which are worth considering." the Red-headed League." arrangements." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And now?" He raised his hand. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I never have." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "What! a murderous attack?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible six. Come in!" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no paper in the air. I leave." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called fact, we may call it conclusive." of the way of danger. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife fact, we may call it conclusive." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Yes." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in presented more singular features than that which was associated "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "But how will you look?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. cause to be." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Oh, the cause is excellent!" have established a very serious case against the son of the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And did you observe any change in her then?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We unprecedented a position." against a man in the prime of life?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project you?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's are, I think, all that we need." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." time." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to next day. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished more terrible than the truth. the coronet in his hand?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found