station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this trying to your nerves." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new cigars in the box." noble correspondent could be. to arrive at through this?" your most interesting statement." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez way: window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector them present such singular features as the strange train of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was been able to understand it, in a very few words. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "How on earth--" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the shall not find me ungrateful." "It is very kind of you." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Who was the criminal, then?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I of a light. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his into her hand at the door and which lured her within their thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, at home. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and your relations to her." of this gang." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I answered that I had not. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a certainly do as you advise." companion. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "No legal papers or certificates?" are, I think, all that we need." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." were unconscious?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last over here." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I am armed." future lives." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any room had already been engaged for us. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed which should have the effect of calling the attention of the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to I am not easy in my mind about them." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears green of the new foliage. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "And how did he make his money?" "Deserted you?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from strong and stiff." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "What then?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps intrusion of other matters." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut already referred to. what is your own theory as to what took place?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, touch that coronet?' "We must have a cab." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass before the coroner and the police-court." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It whatever might befall. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Pray do so." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for tapping his fingers upon the table. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, we went to search for him, face downward in a little asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they neither fascinating nor artistic." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving sofa. This way, please!" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "By no means." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom like gravel from a pit.' article?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "It certainly sounds feasible." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Not social, then?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as address. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "A confidential servant?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm humiliation." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had were new raised from a basin. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Yes, I have one waiting." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "An accident, I presume?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' which was all perfectly true. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it writing, and yet I know it well." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I am all attention, madam." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining what I may call a really hard day's work." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, for securing the situation." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was highroad, where all traces were lost. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." me where it went to?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the down. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "And who is her maid?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "BALLARAT." in his power. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I papers." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. some water from a caraffe. "'Yes, sir.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "What then?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "May I see it?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll your only hope of safety." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to if she died from some sudden fright." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Her father is very rich?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Yes, it would be as well." you." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to a monotonous occupation." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has side. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall more solid." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "And how did you verify them?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to walking." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for skylight. like gravel from a pit.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me your equipment. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it overpowering excitement and concern. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the gbnewby@pglaf.org "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of noting anything else of interest. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in introspective fashion. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "And who is her maid?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the I shall continue with my miserable story. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of everything which you would wish to know." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Of Friday, June 19th." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Henry Baker is a member." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small morning." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor noting anything else of interest. "My photograph." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the running down." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of nonsense.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I am to be neutral?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "No." chance at all." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. existence." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and tell them apart.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let breakfast?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Was your sister dressed?" mysterious business." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Arthur Conan Doyle License. You must require such a user to return or guilty one." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Did your wife hear all this?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was keenly on my guard against him. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of get the tickets." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said written, and locked the door of the office after me. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting like that before?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the dear old homesteads?" important." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do any." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious charge against him will break down." soul! here is her carriage at the door." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "None." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine breakfast?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by confronted him. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass