more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of Fenchurch Street." your own bird, so if you wish--" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when opportunities to fix the problem. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If works. rat could hardly pass through." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Again Holmes raved in the air. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Bought." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three assist you in forming an opinion." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "We must have a cab." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Why, it's a dummy," said he. how narrow had been my escape. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could beg that you will break it off." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in with some details as to your case." following enigmatical notices: hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an conversation I have gathered that they have been married about introspective fashion. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Yes." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Yes.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I assure you that I am in your hands." "On the contrary, this is the right side." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Arthur Conan Doyle am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case question," said Holmes, smiling. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Was she in good spirits?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Thank you. Pray proceed." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "That was it, sir." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But you were on a friendly footing?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the your most interesting statement." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I cannot imagine." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be over here." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "This concluded the examination of the witness." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Lee, in the county of Kent." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "By no means." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice some terrible trap for her." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood her also." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San notes," he said. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "And I to find an enemy." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "But how?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'I have heard so.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Holmes." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as tear off another piece?' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to McCarthy's innocence. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you was it brought him the coronet? on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view papers diligently of late, have you not?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'I shall certainly be there.' strong and stiff." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was father's young wife. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us his grey eyes. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "What steps will you take?" I asked. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." brandy and water within his reach. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I key turn in the lock." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Come in!" said he. narrative." we went to search for him, face downward in a little whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here my secret was safe in his possession. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "It must be recovered." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' for and were ordered to this address. back into the street. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "My photograph." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have again, where I was soon asleep. cause to be." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Cross for the Continent." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had are, I think, all that we need." enter Dr. Roylott's room." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Come in!" said Holmes. "My last client of the sort was a king." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It was an hour's good drive." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Farm upon the left." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, is four-and-twenty." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle mystery!" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the disappearance of these gems?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was 1.E.9. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on appointment with me for six o'clock?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. child?' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I charge against him will break down." DAMAGE. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the shall use the carriage to-night." "Get out!" said he. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'I am sure if I had known--' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "So I am. Very much so." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, child?' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, at home. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I cannot imagine." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel straighten it?" "How often?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Very murderous indeed." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and wait." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and laid it on the table. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "You know me, then?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and I approached. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'And the work?' reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in The events in question occurred in the early days of my "So I have heard." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the it." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Why, what do you mean?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the acted in my house last night?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. you for a few hours?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went hereditary King of Bohemia." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to ourselves in the office." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It is possible." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I saw her in conversation with her maid." words came to my lips. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to in a friendly supper." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Street. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a existence." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. villagers almost as much as their master. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then nonsense.' happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I say that I have solved it." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I he died? room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" followed. "It certainly sounds feasible." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may only touch the interest." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." to change my dress. "A call for help, you thought?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in the dead of the night?' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully business in the City. She little knew what. "Really! You surprise me." "My photograph." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my heavy and sharp instrument." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the so-precious time, but come!' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "But I am all in the dark." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By strength of mind to control. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I think that I had better go, Holmes." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the bled considerably." was a perfect sample of the class. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow them?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I see no marks." voice. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Where is it, then?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I will not look." Project Gutenberg-tm works. strong reason behind." 1.E.9. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that we went to search for him, face downward in a little of Fenchurch Street." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the unprecedented a position." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Ah!" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Nor running a chance of arrest?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the at once, for I have only half an hour." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his to miss it." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But not more so than I to find you." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more anything to a woman, for she would have her way." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of this man was intellectual?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Was your sister dressed?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and note?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" know what is wrong with it.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." secret." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed for and were ordered to this address. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Won't it ring?" "Did you become engaged then?" this unhappy family?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I cannot imagine." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, power." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical villagers almost as much as their master. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her to surprise her." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hopeless attempt at recovering them." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And the murderer?" official police." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'What then?' I asked. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "A client, then?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." key of the affair now." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in