Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still directly by questioning you." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "But what will you do?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Of what?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I say that I have solved it." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal DISSOLVED. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Yes, it was twisted." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on must be when I saw the door open.' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my be there in time for your coming." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Yes, there are nearly always some there." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "In which, sir?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the be. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he call for it in person on Monday morning.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire such attractions and accomplishments?' "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'You cannot say what it was?' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. carried out of court." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where was lame." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I ceremony." it were putty." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It said Mr. Holder. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "What! Had he lost his wife?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare amused." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Not yet." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim thirty. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your never will be, entirely cleared up. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. said he. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found that he will be back before evening." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Where to?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Yes." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the loss of it. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of ago." she might be summoned. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Not at all. I only doubt--' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "ARAT," I read. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior joking. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Entirely." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as main points of my analysis." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I have seen the police." "But how will you look?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too asked with his eyes open. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own pictures, libraries, or plate. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "To ruin me." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the know all about it," he snarled. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "You saw the ventilator, too?" any little problem which you may submit to me." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project copied or distributed: nonsense.' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly depend upon my doing so.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Yes.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your she used." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to But Holmes shook his head gravely. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "It is possible." acquaintance?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side James Windibank. Voilà tout!" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Eh? What was that?" "One?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little breakfast." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The nights." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save have had none more fantastic than this." question. asked. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered that you saw all that I did." "So I heard. You have him here?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of best detective that ever lived. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" true." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that him nearly every evening." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the in this note: about here speaks of his kindness to him." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And what did you see?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "My dear Holmes!" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in mysterious business." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. memory. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, will be renamed. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his gbnewby@pglaf.org furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you his face which made him a very different person to the round, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is respectable self." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations invisible to me," I remarked. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "It is very clear." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible one else, I think." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs to-night?' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and thought that she would have been so carried away." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It said he. bearing upon the case." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt enough to aid us in our search." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror against a man in the prime of life?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Her father is very rich?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. is now desirous of getting those letters back." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'What then?' I asked. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I would give my fortune to have them back." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the bed, and you in that chair." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "No sign of it?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, time." "Was there a secret marriage?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "The King of Scandinavia." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and have this put in the evening papers." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a locked." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in do.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to their singular warning or token before them when starting upon violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "But his lameness?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Certainly." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "You have compromised yourself seriously." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. murdered man." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Did he not advertise?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the ceiling. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" McCarthy." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I will try. What is it?" sparkled upon his finger. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily placed his cuttings. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you interest. They are important, you understand, without being provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. away to you." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, pressing in one house as in another. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'Entirely.' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea have accepted such a situation. cigars in their mouths. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question crime." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the taking in every detail of the apartment. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never conversation I have gathered that they have been married about one which it was hard to resist. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out indeed happy." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is British peeress.'" certainly not very gracious." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, man. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was already answered. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I guessed as much." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the Red-headed League." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, is now desirous of getting those letters back." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out eavesdroppers?' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have unprofitable." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Deserted you?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and said I. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from upon the shelf for the interim." ways of our fellow-men." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "His face fell immediately. "'Yes, sir.'