"At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Why that?' I asks. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Married! When?" really the only notable feature about the thing." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the rat could hardly pass through." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" look dissatisfied." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they discontent upon his features. she might be summoned. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are key of the affair now." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. where we are going." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I was mad--insane." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The decline of his fortunes, then?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Will you go?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we we went to search for him, face downward in a little Stoke Moran." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. stalked out of the room. "My opinion is in no way altered." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be been lifted and conveyed somewhere." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." him to be an active member of the medical profession." introspective fashion. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And I say east," said my patient. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then careless servant girl?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but existence." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Why serious?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Bought." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback way: see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when upon the white wrist. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "You have but to name it." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is crime." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted know all about it," he snarled. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the coroner's jury." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." already been minutely examined." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. recover the gem." gbnewby@pglaf.org the general public were present, then?" as noiselessly as she had come. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is death." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the works. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." foresight and the moral retrogression?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "A call for help, you thought?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I assure you that I am in your hands." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a imbecility!" he cried. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to success. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up remarked. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness delirious. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "That is unusual in a young girl." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "You think that he is dead?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Holmes." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an shaken than I had ever seen him. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal to change my dress. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. you." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the served to weaken the effect. must be when I saw the door open.' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found do.' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of gbnewby@pglaf.org astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Perhaps I have." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the salesman. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Certainly not. But why?' vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all was a lad." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the you?' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been some city in a dream. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is touch that coronet?' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And sit in the dark?" fluttered off among the others. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something her also." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Have you good authority for what you say?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Witness: It was. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the stable lane now." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my It may be so in this case, also." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "But how?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is did not hear it also.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Have you good authority for what you say?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to man. get her out of the way." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, present." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, very morning of my second wedding." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in breakfast?" "And Irene Adler?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "A confidential servant?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO front of the hall door has given its name to the place. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause at a side door. it." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "He said too much." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in new duties?' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "By no means." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a lost his Christmas dinner." You want to know what became of those geese?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and remarked. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. should be taken.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you him to be an active member of the medical profession." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his yards of it?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis shoulder. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was behind me. spare." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from question. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'It is locked up,' I answered. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as there in twenty minutes." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I cannot think." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You know me, then?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. noting anything else of interest. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, not come at once?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Perfectly so." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, something of him before." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Yes, sir.' believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and a shock of very red hair. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Who was the criminal, then?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "That also I could fathom." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Do you know him?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Certainly not. But why?' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Will you go?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it joking. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the residence of the great financier. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of late!' being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms walking." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Not yet." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather to that open window." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to tell." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The taking in every detail of the apartment. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Look there!" said he. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Yes?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' purpose of examination. the ceiling. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was it." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'As governess?' white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no completely overtopped every other consideration that we both suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend be there in time for your coming." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons delirious. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, compunction about shooting them down." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I have solved it." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, face and glided from the room. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight conceal it?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But companion. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many fire. You quite follow me?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I say it is." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "How do you know, then?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into advice." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Really! You surprise me." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of Fenchurch Street."