"Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I think that it is very probable." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I am following you closely," I answered. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Then I do not see the point." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the chance." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Eyford." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Absolutely?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I question. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "None." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Frequently." experiences." "What steps will you take?" I asked. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I bird of prey. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have with her." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest morning." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose dead, shall be safe with us." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, papers diligently of late, have you not?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his that I am arrested." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue shoulder. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Leave Paddington by the 11:15." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "In the cells." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. papers must be those that are destroyed.' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. to take care of herself." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Not him." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. was a perfect sample of the class. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who both be extremely obliged.' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Were they all fastened this morning?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Yes, all." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may ready to-morrow?' these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The from the brougham. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the best of training." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his your troubles." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. even so self-evident a thing as that." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I am all attention, madam." had died away into the silence from which it rose. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Nothing." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed closely." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis roused himself from his reverie. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they not fit the lock." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a touch that coronet?' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, meant it for the best. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they will not take me long to tell. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'Certainly not.' mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I should like to see him very much." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' there has been an enclosure here!" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" works. "Yes." prisoner's face. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned passage and a tap at the door. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "VIOLET HUNTER." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 man. I know him from the photograph." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Indeed! Whose, then?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Frequently." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "To ruin me." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out bill, which interests me deeply." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the general public were present, then?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Oh, fresh and glossy." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" experiences." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "But it has twice been burgled." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a thought that she would have been so carried away." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I cannot tell." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him train.' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I answered that I had not. maiden herself was most instructive." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "No, distinctly professional." "Did you observe the colour?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all next day. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "It is to him that this trophy belongs." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "But she could not love him." Chief Executive and Director which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she chemical work which was so dear to him. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with front of the hall door has given its name to the place. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the what I may call a really hard day's work." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." congratulate you again." the loss of it. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "A confidential servant?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Where could I find him?' "You have the photograph?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I beg pardon." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name within hail.' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had young Openshaw's." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case you came in." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "You know me, then?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. went to the Alpha were town bred." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as carpenter." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the said he. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether brandy and water within his reach. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and unkempt, staring out at me. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, 1.F. "10th. John Swain cleared. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled such attractions and accomplishments?' "Absolutely none." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." ago." the inquest, and which are worth considering." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet in his power. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his empty. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived fashion which was peculiar to him. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried fluttered off among the others. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman she to prove their authenticity?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: o'clock is it?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, as he folded up the epistle. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards drawing your inferences." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I could gather together that I was able to avert another public "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the inner apartment." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the shall not find me ungrateful." here and I will read it to you: cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to change my dress. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the success. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Never,' said I. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. looking up at the numbers of the houses." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the nursery. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I shall be delighted." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "My dear Holmes!" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a to-morrow." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'Then let me do so?' himself to tell his story. it." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite me where it went to?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out have an American origin." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought your equipment. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are possible that we could bring him back to her? contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He You want to know what became of those geese?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project