"I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with 1.F. official police." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the side-table." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a lips." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Yes, but only for you and me." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the if I call to-morrow?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the putting in the horse. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door character. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Ten will be early enough." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and his knees, staring into the fire. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more papers." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered when your master had gone out." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and here." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their business." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I warn you that they are very incomplete." constraint." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which key turn in the lock." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Why serious?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Henry Baker is a member." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "It is true that I have been generally successful." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "My Mary? Impossible!" allusion to a rat. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague had died away into the silence from which it rose. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on round and wave him away like that.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I am all attention, madam." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have one else, I think." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes, sir." "'Oh, no.' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the lips." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no distinguish the words: As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, something of him before." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Her father is very rich?" made him keep the appointment." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "To an English lawyer named Norton." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Why, it's a dummy," said he. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's awkward doing business with an alias." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country 1.F. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I have come for advice." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is troubles have been weighing upon his mind. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Breckinridge is his name." Mrs. Toller serenely. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his really the only notable feature about the thing." forebodings. "Then I am your man." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Who was the criminal, then?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Then what has happened to him?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in was keenly on my guard against him. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I have my revolver," said I. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as front of me. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Why, it's a dummy," said he. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "He is still with you, I presume?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I am sure." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple not personally threatened." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with are, I think, all that we need." present." the nursery. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I page at http://pglaf.org reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Here?" rat could hardly pass through." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "What can you not understand?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, rat could hardly pass through." "'Certainly not.' "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came straightened it out again. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And from a noble client?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying you." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'What would be the hours?' I asked. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Where to?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" you in your example." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'Most admirably.' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I beg pardon." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike business." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Do you go out much in society?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Where does the thing come from?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was most interesting one." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his was shining brightly. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "The vanishing of the lady." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I what these perils are?" never to learn it at all." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" taking in every detail of the apartment. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp into the bag, and made for the door. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' intrusion of other matters." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was perplexity from it to my illustrious client. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most and capable of preserving a secret.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'Then let me do so?' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' highroad, where all traces were lost. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Ah!" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a such attractions and accomplishments?' tell him that I know him to be innocent." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, fait accompli?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the tragedy. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he away to you." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Not in the least." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "A greater distance to travel." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee manager. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and outbreak?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Do you know him?" "And I say east," said my patient. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "And help." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the roots. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and conceal it?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they companion. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Her father is very rich?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I certainly not very gracious." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more at my own good fortune. affair. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the very morning of the wedding." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those it." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings opened a pocket-book and took out a note. of it with the greatest attention. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And why?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and glanced through. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to a good hundred miles off by now." Pope's Court. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City matter." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I think it very unlikely." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Was there a secret marriage?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are there in twenty minutes." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which