Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "What, then, did Peterson do?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while again." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to me. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Holmes' thin, eager face. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked than was visible to me." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the amused." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, more terrible than the truth. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was directors, with the result that you have seen." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we drove away. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. your co-operation." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "But his left-handedness." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Look there!" said he. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his very morning of my second wedding." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence been deceived." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our ordinary clothes on?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone frequently gained my first real insight into the character of See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was when your master had gone out." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was my special province." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and secret." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Pray continue your narrative." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to very old mansion. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with little adventures." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same you in yours." photograph?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this signal between you and your father? purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "You were travelling in the States?" delighted to hear it," he said. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake is now desirous of getting those letters back." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Not in the least." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I cannot imagine." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I residence of the great financier. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "And how?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is just called myself is not exactly my own." man. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which purpose of examination. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and put his glass in his pocket. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she galvanised. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Here?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in woman who has had her own way to make in the world. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get confronted him. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I will get her to show me." off." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Pray do so." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' morning." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'And the work?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Mrs. Toller serenely. the stones. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he it means?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'In my own bureau.' introspective fashion. straighten it?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "At the wedding breakfast." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the Red-headed League." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. south, for the country is more deserted there." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Then he might have called to you?" disturbance in my wife." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "He is dead," cried several voices. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise used to be." This is what he says: "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Certainly, madam." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The interests were the same as his." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY used to be." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "You have but to name it." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I would pay ten." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it not come at once?" questioning and rather startled gaze. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that him." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, humiliation." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door look dissatisfied." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "So I have heard." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Pope's Court, Fleet Street." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He have one." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I it." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a hour?' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business indeed happy." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Dr. Becher's." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Well, but China?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "What do you mean?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "How on earth--" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some photograph a cabinet?" "And now?" I asked. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Married! When?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so intrusion of other matters." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set careless servant girl?" "The best possible." green of the new foliage. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in thirty. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Nothing?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to thought that she would have been so carried away." morning." "'Then let me do so?' "Not him." lost nothing by them." there in twenty minutes." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very like gravel from a pit.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but woman who has had her own way to make in the world. tied." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his astonishment. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the Assizes." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and weary and pale-looking. "Well?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "That is also quite modern," said the lady. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. despaired of." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "But how will you look?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' heavy and sharp instrument." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker sufficient punishment." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Henry Baker is a member." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." light and attacked it." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and possible that we could bring him back to her? over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than hopeless attempt at recovering them." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your all-comprehensive glances. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. His name is Francis Prosper." "I say that I have solved it." conclusions. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. forebodings. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been minor matters until to-morrow." the date of his supposed suicide." shaken than I had ever seen him. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I have my revolver," said I. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' envelope. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Who by?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "And on what day did he meet his death?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I am to be neutral?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, photograph?" "That is it on the dressing-table." sneer upon his pale face. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I came to find a friend." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar delighted to hear it," he said. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us friends, not even his own brother. "And from a noble client?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as matter." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "You think that he is dead?" the coronet in his hand?" "'How far from the body?' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, into the room. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and in my life." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up seen the man in the road." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the house with me." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman been able to understand it, in a very few words. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to