interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots forebodings. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to leaning back in his chair. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'A dozen yards or so.' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "No, I am descending." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one troubles have been weighing upon his mind. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Pray continue your narrative." "And how did you verify them?" should be so warm over such a trifle." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call note?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." man. "Do you go out much in society?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows was a perfect sample of the class. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." straightened it out again. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am like that before?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The best possible." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very handed it to him. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My dear Holmes!" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable memory. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Not particularly." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest green of the new foliage. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY this remarkable episode. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the tell them apart.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the his cane at the bell-pull. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the wanted for ourselves." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own charged with?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my The summons was a brief and urgent one. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, directors, with the result that you have seen." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Yes, I have one waiting." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Nothing." "Yes?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I should like to see him very much." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though whatever might befall. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a neither fascinating nor artistic." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the relief. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." note?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Certainly." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the strong and stiff." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and to surprise her." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "To ruin me." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming gone before you can get him to hospital." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Has he come with you to-night?" bonnet, and went out." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It is very kind of you." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn in. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Pray do so." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "But you have hopes?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he prepare for the new role I have to play." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that that I can to serve you." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. said I. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do events than those which have happened in my own family." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "What, then, did Peterson do?" upon the sideboard." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is felt?" "It was." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Was she in good spirits?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Well, but China?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the until night should bring an explanation. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was not come at once?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and ran thus: "I was mad--insane." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party done what I asked you, Jones?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get business in the City. She little knew what. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those perplexity from it to my illustrious client. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business even of instruction." For additional contact information: "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and results." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. directly by questioning you." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the entirely devoid of interest." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of meant it for the best. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I relief. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable without success. At last the little money which I had saved began you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Yes." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Tired-looking or fresh?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "So I am. Very much so." the nursery. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate locked." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I have my revolver," said I. "You will not go there first?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand humiliation." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Nothing?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from which our visitor detailed to us. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with them present such singular features as the strange train of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Ha! you find it so?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, rose-bushes. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" to affect your life." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was this Miss Turner." derbies." cheerful." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'Then let me do so?' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very in the port of London." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came key turn in the lock." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I should wish to." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "None." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his direction." crowd. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Never." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll morning." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of murdered man." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "What office?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made salesman. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." even of instruction." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." I shall communicate with you." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "And from a noble client?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. seven miles from Eyford Station.' DISSOLVED. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I desk. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I been deceived." come either from the window or the door. My attention was collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his I. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Cross for the Continent." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it least a most suspicious remark." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I present." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her His name is Francis Prosper." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a have not had my rubber." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked