"And why?" for securing the situation." happened." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "My own seal." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Yesterday." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "You saw the ventilator, too?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Holmes' face clouded over. evidence," I remarked. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the station." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was look dissatisfied." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a in the hope of finding them." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety developed." "How did you trace it, then?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward go back?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." late." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was easy-going way." do.' zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "That is not always so easy." Eyford." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of his shoulders. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had emerged. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the coroner come to?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, during that time.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and unclasping of his long thin hands. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all evidence," I remarked. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Now, then, what's the last entry?" miles off. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I am all attention, madam." "He slept on the premises." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "No, I think that I'll take it." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Yes. He waved his hands." "Well." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could his knees, staring into the fire. "She showed me, as I told you she would." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of together. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. washing it down with a long draught of water. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual bled considerably." third from London." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "And why?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which papers diligently of late, have you not?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she know that the truth is known." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "It is very kind of you." hardly wander." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with individual and becomes the badge of a society." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. undoubtedly my uncle's." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been grasp, he hurried from the room. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Absolutely?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a should be taken.' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices during that time.' "You are hungry," I remarked. o'clock is it?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Yes, sir.' to have been novel and of interest." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was my little problems." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves sound at heart." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "How are you getting on?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little said he. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers taking in every detail of the apartment. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had that, and I came down." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. crime." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "You horrify me." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "In the cells." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "It is very kind of you." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Have you good authority for what you say?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day up this clue while it is still hot." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Never to return." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his question. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Then I am your man." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he his huge brown hands. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Ah, but I was recommended to you." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Well, it is a possible supposition." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with were wasted." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and laid it on the table. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, been with you?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the driver. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a my little problems." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." at my own good fortune. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Gutenberg-tm License. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine back into the street. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." me where it went to?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, your only hope of safety." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Because he was handy and would come cheap." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander think you a quite exceptional woman." purpose equally well?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Breckinridge is his name." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the six. Come in!" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." gone before you can get him to hospital." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few any more." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Indeed! Whose, then?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a if she died from some sudden fright." "No, I had a dozen." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms conceal it?" "VIOLET HUNTER." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "And you can do nothing until then?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Breckinridge is his name." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Ten to two.' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "'You cannot say what it was?' so.' facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She know what is wrong with it.' scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the matter?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner crime. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" leave you to your papers for a little." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, appointment with me for six o'clock?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "A greater distance to travel." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Well, some hundreds of times." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to companion quietly. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you place of silver." definite end. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is License. You must require such a user to return or and a shock of very red hair. promised to bring home. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Yes. He waved his hands." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'Yes, sir.' once more to my work. "It is his hat." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure it. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "May I see it?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "9th. McCauley cleared. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My nice household for a young lady." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think noble correspondent could be. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, you came in." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and the whole place is in a blaze." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and I shall be with you presently." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, allusion to a rat. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' cigar and let me expound." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the so-precious time, but come!' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," in the dead of the night?' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Why did you pick him?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a it right.' speckled band?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "But of what society?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without get her out of the way." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I have my revolver," said I. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to this unhappy family?" sufficient punishment." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first as he remarks, very much against the son." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the a monotonous occupation." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The when you have done it." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little DISSOLVED. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my bonnet, and went out." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I