such attractions and accomplishments?' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss three fields round his house, and there he would take his living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I cannot say that I have." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "At half-wages, in fact." "But what is it you wish?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Yes, all." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I promise," said Holmes. "Ample." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "When did it break out?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon himself to tell his story. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "The murder was done with it." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very back alive. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. any." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." who was a member of your goose club." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at you." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "What shall I do?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to appointment with me for six o'clock?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I cannot tell." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "And did you observe any change in her then?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the running down." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform colonel looking down at me. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a more terrible than the truth. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each with some details as to your case." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It looks newer than the other things?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "The Cedars?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has I nodded again. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. indeed happy." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at once more for Briony Lodge. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you The note was undated, and without either signature or address. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock there has been an enclosure here!" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Where, indeed?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." hour?' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, you in your example." I shall continue with my miserable story. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "What I expected to see." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am States. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little that, and I came down." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Chief Executive and Director "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to go into your room and bar your shutters?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "And who is her maid?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The King of Scandinavia." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in experiences." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had business." "Well?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the go from here to the Strand." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, good-night and bustled off upon her way. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ retorted upon me, and I on you." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a to that open window." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, your billet.' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Then he might have called to you?" you understand?" morning." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have late!' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Ample." "Get out!" said he. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any is four-and-twenty." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. said Mr. Holder. "The King of Scandinavia." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Your French gold?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly retorted upon me, and I on you." call you and give you the chance." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Yes, it was gone.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I lips." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle call you and give you the chance." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. all?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, feature." you give your casting vote to?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. II. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his was lame." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, cigars in their mouths. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Witness: Nothing definite. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. there has been an enclosure here!" this as likely?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "What do you make of that, Watson?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of trying to your nerves." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the King without delay." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "My last client of the sort was a king." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'Certainly,' I answered. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Thank you. And your address?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. have got?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And who is her maid?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from I have it here in my museum." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "How on earth--" whole matter to your consideration." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." will he say when he returns?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" himself to hunt down. "No bad?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before nothing of it?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep of his shoulders. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, once more to my work. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near question you as to those details which seem to me to be most set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little again before evening." mystery." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Is he quiet?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes, that is the Crown." bell. Holmes whistled. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my then?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by breakfast." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one all that?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to me." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" noting anything else of interest. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better tied." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly daring than any effort of the imagination." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end whether it answered to the description of any of their presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "And when will you call?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came writer." happened." people don't know." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' with the outside air!" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "What office?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Arthur Conan Doyle held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Bought." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the retorted upon me, and I on you." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I of receipt of the work. yet." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be distinguish the words: week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Gutenberg-tm License. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "My dear Holmes!" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as neither fascinating nor artistic." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to followed. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The pity, because in other respects you would really have done very should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman walking." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." works. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my it means?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the envelope. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of detained." "And for present expenses?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "By no means." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the States. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent depend upon your compliance." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no