"You horrify me." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "What I expected to see." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the down. "No, my brougham is waiting." brain must have something in it." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an crackling voice. confronted him. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "You think so, too?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Very much so." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' think that he is innocent?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "The King of Scandinavia." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "But you can know nothing of this?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you II. business in the City. She little knew what. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was What do you deduce from it?" It may be so in this case, also." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was strong and stiff." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very have I gained?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired drove away. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The Cedars?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his even of instruction." the driver. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, emerged. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the respectable self." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of Mr. Rucastle's." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'Entirely.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was about. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Quite so." could gather together that I was able to avert another public looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very head. So long, then!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "And you thought he was pulled back?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But we can't all be." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not think that he is innocent?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. presume?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "But you have hopes?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police my secret was safe in his possession. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "You have but to name it." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some sooner or later she must fall a victim. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got nothing with him." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "We have tried and failed." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'What, the red-headed man?' and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "That is not always so easy." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Pray do so." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were individual and becomes the badge of a society." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most you, my dear young lady?' "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Nothing." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." late!' the driver. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I posted to-day." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "You are certainly joking, Holmes." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'You cannot say what it was?' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And is that all?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." you." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the iron safe, which he closed upon it. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers business?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Not in the least." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "And why?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" again on its way. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his business matters.' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it hands. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my forbidden door. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was before, for it was considerably after midnight. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a have one." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is overpowering excitement and concern. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin third from London." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a posted to-day." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear business at Coburg Square is serious." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. of this gang." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But even of instruction." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it unprofitable." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand chill to my heart. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or returning from some small jollification and was making his way registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "The landlord of the Alpha." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the matter?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's he bowed and left the room without another word. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had tail." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "No." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, key of the affair now." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. I nodded again. which we had just quitted. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is pictures, libraries, or plate. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "No, finished." enter Dr. Roylott's room." one of them." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Holmes' thin, eager face. "And what then?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to done what I asked you, Jones?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" 1.E.9. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, fatally injured? he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Lee, in the county of Kent." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from During two years I have had three consultations and one small "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small as this. Pray let me have the details." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Sholtos." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. again on its way. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this a monotonous occupation." "'I am sure that I do not know.' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be existence." "He is still with you, I presume?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "No sign of it?" morning." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest both be extremely obliged.' a very grave face. them present such singular features as the strange train of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "And now?" He raised his hand. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "How can you tell that?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "But how could you guess what the motive was?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this your only hope of safety." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Where did he live, then?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he detained." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their chemical work which was so dear to him. fuss that is made over them." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black him to go away.' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "This concluded the examination of the witness." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "One of his hands." "Yes, he did." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will strength." despaired of." "Entirely." Edgeware Road.