the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "My Mary? Impossible!" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "The Coroner: What do you mean? a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," must compliment you." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. behind me. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind him and tried to hold him back. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were that he has suffered." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face forecastle of an emigrant ship. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you see a sister of mine apply for." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the could gather together that I was able to avert another public keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, from you?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have your only hope of safety." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Where, indeed?" placed his cuttings. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to in one or two places in England?' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes when your master had gone out." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not little trying to do so much typewriting?" to have been novel and of interest." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "It was a confession," I ejaculated. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever there in twenty minutes." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "And your mother is alive?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy delighted to hear it," he said. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "The knees of his trousers." which was all perfectly true. Holmes' face clouded over. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes." it. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Perhaps we may make them less so." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself chemical work which was so dear to him. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I see no marks." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Perfectly so." very morning of my second wedding." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily there." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. three of the beryls in it, was missing. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite tell them apart.' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door hair?' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. 1.F. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third ago." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Game for a morning drive?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from congenial hunt. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the young Openshaw's." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried speckled band?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the criminal. We have already had experience of such." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the to have that photograph." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of this gang." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan tell me that you intended to go into harness." intrusion of other matters." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains business." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Was your sister dressed?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a to tell." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, voice. derbies." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." heavy and sharp instrument." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. October 9, 1890. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away clanging. beg that you will break it off." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this always that they were such commands as a lady might with "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after conduct the inquiry." "'Entirely.' "Who by?" crackling voice. undoubtedly my uncle's." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I am armed." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Pray do so." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for thin legs towards the fire. stammered. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there own family. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang you understand?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a ordinary clothes on?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, depend upon my doing so.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy bell. Holmes whistled. "Certainly." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us name is different." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the locked. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main bed dies. Does not that strike you?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Yes, at the mines." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary salesman. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and chance." touch that coronet?' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every him!" of Fenchurch Street." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of less than 26s. 4d. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, promised to bring home. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I am armed." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor what these perils are?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying papers on the sundial.'" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I this as likely?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. all-comprehensive glances. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one directly by questioning you." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with have an American origin." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon foresight and the moral retrogression?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "What are they?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment money should be paid at once.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. before, for it was considerably after midnight. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate emerged. instincts rose up against that laugh. October 9, 1890. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" fear." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Then I do not see the point." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own bell. Holmes whistled. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of I approached. have established a very serious case against the son of the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no views." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have not had my rubber." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I do." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place good-night and bustled off upon her way. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I or in danger--" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed back alive. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against examination of the premises, but without finding anything which to his chemical studies. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself had no one to advise her at such a crisis." himself. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' works. See paragraph 1.E below. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a strong and stiff." "But what harm can there be in that?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." over part of the map. "What do you read?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable gentleman's clothes. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "It is solved." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, other, as fresh and trim as possible. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang enter into my head. said I. wedding?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was direction." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "My own seal." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." fluttered off among the others. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have his cane at the bell-pull. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "What?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into wall." of Mr. Rucastle's." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "From his hat?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no populous neighbourhood." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce question you as to those details which seem to me to be most matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of records." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons go from here to the Strand." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No, distinctly professional." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "It is possible." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I shall most certainly do so." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Then he might have called to you?" instituted." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Ample.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "In heaven's name, what for?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "And what did you see?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "He is dead," cried several voices. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "On Monday."