her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the inquest, and which are worth considering." have one." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "You have carte blanche." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "But it has twice been burgled." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. served to weaken the effect. "By no means." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have case before our client came into the room." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "No?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had without a word or a look. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "My photograph." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a photograph?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Ha! you find it so?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Well, some hundreds of times." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Certainly." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "No, I am descending." his face. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't himself to hunt down. foresight and the moral retrogression?" noting anything else of interest. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Then I do not see the point." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "That is unusual in a young girl." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "And you thought he was pulled back?" something of him before." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Holmes." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager more solid." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Did you become engaged then?" eat it." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and read over the extraordinary announcement. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "You will not go there first?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, see me here to avoid scandal." such attractions and accomplishments?' difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All upon the white wrist. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler late." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a was a perfect sample of the class. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Is he quiet?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Certainly." said he. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I am sure." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some rooms." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. golden eyeglasses. wedding?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are was a perfect sample of the class. had a long day." lost his Christmas dinner." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the himself to hunt down. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, ourselves in the office." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY test if we have an answer to our advertisement." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of I shall communicate with you." matter." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the crowd. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that than to us. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father was keenly on my guard against him. third from London." "No." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need companion. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one chair. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed My friend smiled. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the bears upon the case?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with III. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that your sleep?' headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average over his head with a sweet womanly caress. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe room had already been engaged for us. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future charged with?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the visitors." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It's nothing of the kind." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." behind me. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence good for you to do.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes." comes from the middle window." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in the port of London." if only as a check to my own memory." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident cigars in their mouths. could gather together that I was able to avert another public Project Gutenberg-tm works. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My not, dad?" she asked. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us felt the room to be a little close.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his really the only notable feature about the thing." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "What then?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been mystery may be cleared along those lines." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I guessed as much." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "What do you make of that, Watson?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. you in your example." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Holmes' face clouded over. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, village inn over there?" "What have you to say now?" would then never go into court at all." tell them apart.' something of him before." me what he had done with the three missing stones. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid in him." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "One of the highest in England." bird I ate is country bred." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of happened." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be happened." front of me. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "No, finished." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Could he throw no light?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria him to be an active member of the medical profession." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible done what I asked you, Jones?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' dear old homesteads?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "By train from Waterloo." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "And did you observe any change in her then?" "And I to find an enemy." to surprise her." tension within him. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." at a side door. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads bell. Holmes whistled. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were was not a bird to be seen there. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and have got?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots helping a boy to put up the shutters. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Count Von Kramm." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know your equipment. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Will you go?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." will not take me long to tell. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End vault. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose how narrow had been my escape. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Sholtos." been shamefully used." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' would then never go into court at all." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Will you bet, then?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On him to be an active member of the medical profession." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face is worth.' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds me." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "No, I had a dozen." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Always." "I am all attention, madam." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, have accepted such a situation. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "10th. John Swain cleared. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or newspaper selections." forebodings. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged of." night.' said he. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little weapon." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the of it with the greatest attention. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Only as much as we can deduce." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Yes, from Horsham."