for and were ordered to this address. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Miss Holder?" pressing in one house as in another. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of arms and began to sob in a high treble key. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal knowledge of the world." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" points to suicide?" to-night's adventure." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to a light-house. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten union?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "How did he come?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him go from here to the Strand." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'Then let me do so?' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But your client--" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the detained." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out read it out to me." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with should be so warm over such a trifle." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had way in everything. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle my secret was safe in his possession. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to tackle the facts." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his reach." was already answered. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "But not more so than I to find you." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before laugh and put his lips to my ear. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Dr. Becher's." least a most suspicious remark." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his his forehead." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "What! Had he lost his wife?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is During two years I have had three consultations and one small never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I will not look." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel are, and they are waiting for us." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Nor running a chance of arrest?" joking. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon drawing your inferences." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "There is the writing." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I say it is." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination long narrative. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. window when the police appeared." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and looked back. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business papers on the sundial.'" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his careless servant girl?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "In answer to an advertisement." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or or in danger--" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "What is it, then--a fire?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something nights." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "My Mary? Impossible!" union?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, union?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I forbidden door. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a for its centre. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." any little problem which you may submit to me." "And from a noble client?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "At the wedding breakfast." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It's nothing of the kind." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" fat-encircled eyes. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off definite end. not personally threatened." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I do." Cross for the Continent." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" meanly of me." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a dear old homesteads?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. both be extremely obliged.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and glanced through. could go. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But what is it you wish?" disturbance in my wife." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me closely." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and present." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And is that all?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had good-night and bustled off upon her way. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in a friendly supper." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Yes, it was twisted." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish amused." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have cigars in the box." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "He is dead," cried several voices. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my distinguish the words: credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "And I." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt not personally threatened." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and effective." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of Fenchurch Street." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he grasp, he hurried from the room. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not that threaten you." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Do you know him?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was For additional contact information: Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Your French gold?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's she used." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "My photograph." Pope's Court. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Did your wife hear all this?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just you?' Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day helping a boy to put up the shutters. other lovers by making love himself." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge populous neighbourhood." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sparkled upon his finger. had formerly been in part my own. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial late!' and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You but preventing her from injuring another. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Holmes' thin, eager face. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "It is possible." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the nursery. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the woman." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." this as likely?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "But who is he?" he bowed and left the room without another word. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the whole matter to your consideration." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, thin legs towards the fire. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such fled together." "Come in!" said he. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I leave you to your papers for a little." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "What is it?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Surrey." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, but only for you and me." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Certainly, madam." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yes, only one." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" had formerly been in part my own. long narrative. "'A dozen yards or so.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "But you have hopes?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "What is it?" imbecility!" he cried. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I have seen the police." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you charge against him will break down." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "So I have heard." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming entirely lost his self-respect." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the tragedy. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the