downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you words came to my lips. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main DISSOLVED. prison!" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the stepfather?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "That was it, sir." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "To an end?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he over here." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's copied or distributed: some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come there were one or two details which were new to me. But the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by think that any burglar could have done. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and papers must be those that are destroyed.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I think it very unlikely." "'You cannot say what it was?' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and know that the truth is known." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Did he not advertise?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, other, as fresh and trim as possible. himself. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, spark where all is dark to me." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holmes. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Seven!" I answered. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of me have 200 pounds?' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And how did you find out?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival could go. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a south, for the country is more deserted there." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I have come for advice." minor matters until to-morrow." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and capable of preserving a secret.' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in putting in the horse. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, it with his own hands." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right his knees, staring into the fire. here." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is humiliation." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "It's nothing of the kind." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. handed it to him. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And you don't know his address?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." bled considerably." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "He slept on the premises." answered with a sidelong glance. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Sutherland. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'You doubt its value?' he asked. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the back alive. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "What of the rat, then?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "What will you say?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and whereabouts. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so remarked. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "No, my brougham is waiting." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate questioning and rather startled gaze. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." guilty parties." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a very grave face. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no unclasping of his long thin hands. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last indeed happy." with some details as to your case." "How do you know, then?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "But his lameness?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's lips." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by more solid." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to seem to you to be relevant or not." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "I will, Miss Turner." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat never came back." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a said I. second." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the roused himself from his reverie. bird I ate is country bred." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "My opinion is in no way altered." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "It came here." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "My photograph." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in to take care of herself." during that time.' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Then I can wait in the next room." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a case-book, which he consulted. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some useful material for showing traces. The double line a little clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: in darkness. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of me." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Yes, only one." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. him to go away.' one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united if only as a check to my own memory." that, and I came down." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. correct than the official force." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "What!" he roared. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I will do it." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an note?" the Assizes." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Pray continue your narrative." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it mystery!" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, fashion which was peculiar to him. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "What then?" like gravel from a pit.' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the in darkness. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling infinite languor in his face. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to-night." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "And why?" himself to hunt down. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "BALLARAT." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple from you?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just depend upon my doing so.' five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from these bleak autumnal evenings." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the look dissatisfied." be sorry for having acted so harshly." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled went to the Alpha were town bred." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have one." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No good news?" "Did you become engaged then?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It is his hat." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Witness: It was. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to awaited us upon the table. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the instincts rose up against that laugh. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "And why in hopes?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Yes, at the mines." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day arrangements." "'Entirely.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or than to us. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London that he will be back before evening." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "The murder was done with it." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. families. Now for the facts. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post character. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Which dealer's?' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "But how could you guess what the motive was?" purpose equally well?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be come either from the window or the door. My attention was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." me what he had done with the three missing stones. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. even of instruction." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his fluttered off among the others. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered depend upon your compliance." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the maiden herself was most instructive." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin,