hereditary King of Bohemia." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very this Miss Turner." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "But how could you guess what the motive was?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have character. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple will not take me long to tell. opened the door, and slipped through. Holmes. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and society." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with you?' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and power." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. as yours." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, in the dead of the night?' in his hands." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable my former friend and companion. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said closing the door. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to my special province." not, dad?" she asked. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general on re-entering her father's house?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most never came back." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and she to prove their authenticity?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the and the whole place is in a blaze." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Nearly eleven." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Yes, sir.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed respectable self." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "We were both in the photograph." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Who was the criminal, then?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "We have tried and failed." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Stolen, then." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "But your client--" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and said he. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. never will be, entirely cleared up. salesman. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from charge against him will break down." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after perplexity from it to my illustrious client. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Yes, at the mines." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the You want to know what became of those geese?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so was already answered. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked rose-bushes. never to learn it at all." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband mystery!" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "How can you tell that?" all?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." answered with a sidelong glance. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable mystery may be cleared along those lines." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few unprecedented a position." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as The King stared at him in amazement. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Clair, of Lee." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed his cane at the bell-pull. "How did he come?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. garden below. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO entirely lost his self-respect." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "You were travelling in the States?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "But she could not love him." married her." are windows in it, of course?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the stable lane now." "She walked into the breakfast-room." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of be best to do. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be himself. recover the gem." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "But we can't all be." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his standing smiling on the door-step. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her such attractions and accomplishments?' as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" his cane at the bell-pull. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the horse could go." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in away to you." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the in this note: distinguish the words: roused himself from his reverie. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "What office?" is a common subject for conversation. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A hands. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the window, rose as we entered. ways of our fellow-men." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, such person." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. respectable self." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It looks newer than the other things?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few ready to-morrow?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "None." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just might have a private word with us. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to legal crime." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "And help." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I am about to be married." correct than the official force." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. quite distinctive." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the matter?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do weapon." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. looking up at the numbers of the houses." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Yesterday." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of woven round him. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The this unhappy family?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came The King stared at him in amazement. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and the church but not where the lady lived." "Certainly." said he. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which conversation I have gathered that they have been married about police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing records." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the too. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the on re-entering her father's house?" cigars in the box." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Stoke Moran." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. where she found matters as described by the last witness. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." what is your own theory as to what took place?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had bed dies. Does not that strike you?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Then, as to money?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the if only as a check to my own memory." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Breckinridge is his name." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Nothing." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to chair. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would opened the door, and slipped through. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "A greater distance to travel." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I say it is." of campaign. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Whose house is it?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of anything to do with the matter?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." train.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and electronic works springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to fatally injured? door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and your relations to her." to-night?" I asked. outsides of the windows. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped it were putty." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "No." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "No, I am descending." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a to his chemical studies. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes is," said he presently: should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes astonishment. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this nonsense.' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our photograph?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your dear old homesteads?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to that "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. undoubtedly my uncle's." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "That's no good." III. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It certainly sounds feasible." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "By all means." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her hardly wander." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the until night should bring an explanation. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is carriage. It was a chestnut." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this once more on the important position which you have been fortunate so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Again Holmes raved in the air. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Yes, from Horsham." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been should be taken.' fluttered off among the others. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced details." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. chambers. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered bare slabs of marble. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There behind me. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I held the little printed slip to the light. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'I shall certainly be there.' "And I to find an enemy." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" them, and came down just as you departed. "What I expected to see." "Nothing." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'A dozen yards or so.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." easy-going way." girl said." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations