"Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what 1.E.9. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one this as likely?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon least a most suspicious remark." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I answered that I had not. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must over with notes and figures. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Never." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End best detective that ever lived. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "And you thought he was pulled back?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him ourselves in the office." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You is four-and-twenty." little trying to do so much typewriting?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was presume?" woven round him. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his past. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be sneer upon his pale face. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the were wasted." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect down. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his giving me time to thank him. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give spark where all is dark to me." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "But not more so than I to find you." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the salesman. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for lost his Christmas dinner." never will be, entirely cleared up. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the some city in a dream. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the would apply.' power." leaning back in his chair. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Nothing?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Yes, only one." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had it." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you to a more successful conclusion." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has were unconscious?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too impression behind it as though a window had gently closed late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Yes." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'Certainly,' I answered. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "What is it, then--a fire?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The happened." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "10th. John Swain cleared. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "But not more so than I to find you." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the child." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Well, it is a possible supposition." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass not as remarkable as your advertisement." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Pray do so." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. knowledge of the world." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "No more words. Get out!" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from allusion to a rat. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I am all attention, madam." "But she will refuse." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town once more for Briony Lodge. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "'Certainly not.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "In answer to an advertisement." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." whatever might befall. past. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "But you were on a friendly footing?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Never." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. on in his house." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough speckled band?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend conceal it?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it DAMAGE. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and was not a bird to be seen there. not fit the lock." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." fear." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling London for the present?" not come at once?" there has been an enclosure here!" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my than was visible to me." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "But of what society?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same sufficient punishment." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." for the market.' the side-table." "Could he throw no light?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." least a most suspicious remark." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly once more to my work. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, more terrible than the truth. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Absolutely none." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Certainly, madam." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance an introduction to him?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to http://gutenberg.net/license). the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. upon the sideboard." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his like gravel from a pit.' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, instituted." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that night.' said he. "You don't mind breaking the law?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "If so, much may have happened between." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An to me. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Entirely.' crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "And Miss Sutherland?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to have been novel and of interest." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Yes." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I cannot as yet see any connection." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to some other building. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the husband's writing, madam." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are sound at heart." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone points in connection with it which never have been, and probably one's self under obligations.' already been minutely examined." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Seven!" I answered. "Is he quiet?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk along the entire front of the house, with three long windows again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and hardly wander." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "In answer to an advertisement." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Munro.' points to suicide?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "It must be recovered." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and felt?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence of the one which your family is now devouring." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "You did not overhear what they said?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "And now?" I asked. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it formed some opinion?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. village inn over there?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over was lame." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. there was no need for father to know." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front breakfast." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is minor matters until to-morrow." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "How did you deduce the select?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I cannot imagine." "I don't believe it." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, It may be so in this case, also." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back