space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left own family. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say said he. me." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry said he at last. at once, for I have only half an hour." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "But to whom?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable God! What an exposure! What can I do?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Chief Executive and Director "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with one which it was hard to resist. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "There is the writing." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is sooner or later she must fall a victim. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the stable lane now." a good hundred miles off by now." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And Irene Adler?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to green of the new foliage. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously touch that coronet?' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered putting in the horse. appeared upon the scene." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a fluttered off among the others. "Where did he live, then?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part miles off. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at get her out of the way." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two back alive. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when gives a meaning to it." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main questioning and rather startled gaze. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "No." "I beg pardon." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "No, my brougham is waiting." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." delighted to hear it," he said. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "I will do it." looking up at the numbers of the houses." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Not yet." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, think, you have already met." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch questioning and rather startled gaze. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes against a man in the prime of life?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door look dissatisfied." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was maid will bring up your coffee." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and that he would see to anything that turned up. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can to surprise her." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "He might." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "No bad?" know that the truth is known." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." experiences." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Heh?' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself article?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "He said too much." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Get out!" said he. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, key of the affair now." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "And you thought he was pulled back?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), *** START: FULL LICENSE *** building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what weighed down with some great anxiety. key of the affair now." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the our word." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and whether it answered to the description of any of their the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the best of training." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would works. See paragraph 1.E below. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." think, you have already met." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which McCarthy's innocence. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "That also I could fathom." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. undoubtedly my uncle's." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. that threaten you." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be your Highness to the police-station?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But minor matters until to-morrow." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, ourselves in the office." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I shall be delighted." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'And what salary do you ask?' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "And Miss Sutherland?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to-morrow." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. with you?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Yes." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes hopeless attempt at recovering them." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Your presence might be invaluable." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to change my dress. indiscretion." locked." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "What will you say?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "What!" he roared. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his national property. I was determined that the law should have its did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire did not hear it also.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that side. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness tied." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still foot. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It is half-past ten now." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have interest. They are important, you understand, without being for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. or in danger--" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "What then?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against certainly do as you advise." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a bachelor.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. yet." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Sholtos." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "My Mary? Impossible!" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'It is locked up,' I answered. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even arms and began to sob in a high treble key. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "What!" he roared. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Yes, he did." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young shag which I had seen upon the previous night. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is was once confined in the cab my mission was practically SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' meant it for the best. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most keep the flames under. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no away in different directions, and I went off to make my own whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what sparkled upon his finger. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "What shall I do?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the driver. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. to-morrow." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the hardly wander." "Dirty?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "It must be recovered." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking bedroom door." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward in this note: "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be is entirely a question of barometric pressure." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." respectable self." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "One of his hands." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would observed. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully disturbance in my wife." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "You don't mind breaking the law?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Then I shall certainly come." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." hopeless attempt at recovering them." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the iron safe, which he closed upon it. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a security.' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had upon the white wrist. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer astonishment. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "It is possible." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." breakfast." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Pray continue your narrative." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we ill-usage at the hands of fortune. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled where we are going." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our answered with a sidelong glance. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly delirious. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "There isn't a cat in it, for example?"