the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "What I expected to see." Eyford at 11:15.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to surprise her." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or a room. grasp, he hurried from the room. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I will, Miss Turner." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his clanging. "But I have heard all that you have heard." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with bird I ate is country bred." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much not come at once?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "What shall I do?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "But your client--" in darkness. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been any little problem which you may submit to me." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over guilty one." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at bachelor.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "And how did you find out?" of your young ladies.' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions exactly what you advise." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Street. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting you." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Never.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. crackling voice. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no here." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Tired-looking or fresh?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and inquire as to the address." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "So I have heard." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally for securing the situation." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged paper in the air. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "When did it break out?" "No, I think that I'll take it." "Proceed, then." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be useful material for showing traces. The double line a little have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your been able to understand it, in a very few words. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that arrangements." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six a few minutes he said that it would be all right. upon the shelf for the interim." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Indeed! Whose, then?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in your bag." "But you have hopes?" "Her father is very rich?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the envelope. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open enter Dr. Roylott's room." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I have solved it." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "But you were on a friendly footing?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "And how in the world did you find them?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far his eyes and forehead. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "One?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "No more words. Get out!" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. records." "And leave your case unfinished?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I woven round him. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his invisible to me," I remarked. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "It goes to the housekeeper's room." in his power. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical digesting their breakfasts at home." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I promise," said Holmes. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at following enigmatical notices: the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated not, dad?" she asked. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless into the bag, and made for the door. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "But his lameness?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of burst out into a roar of laughter. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been your room." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "But she could not love him." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have accepted such a situation. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his conclusions. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of fear." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De allusion to a rat. "Have you it here?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Holmes' thin, eager face. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Well." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a problems help me to do so." This is what he says: safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through strong and stiff." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us During two years I have had three consultations and one small Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what appeal." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "So I have heard." asked. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands cigars in their mouths. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Literary Archive Foundation to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and this unhappy family?" sparkled upon his finger. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to some other building. License. You must require such a user to return or in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, where we are going." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain few hundred pounds.' you." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I straightened it out again. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, answer." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a overpowering excitement and concern. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but other means.' manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "No." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and the church but not where the lady lived." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet bed dies. Does not that strike you?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure such person." "I don't believe it." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "He said too much." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' your troubles." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his again before evening." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door really the only notable feature about the thing." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Certainly." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of envelope. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the purpose equally well?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "You saw the ventilator, too?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance plantation.' becomes even more simple." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few think, you have already met." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped seen the man in the road." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. train.' "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my this poor creature." stammered. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. one of the states of the Union." "One?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have knowledge of the world." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "But it has twice been burgled." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical have not had my rubber." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "No, distinctly professional." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." you for a few hours?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he ourselves in the office." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has plantation.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! as yours." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'It is locked up,' I answered. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil crackling voice. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you ventilator." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've own family. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must said he. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune cause to be." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I beg pardon." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about an introduction to him?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock call you and give you the chance." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the your bag." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Will you go?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another you do it in twenty minutes!' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's which I could not give. He asked for Alice. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "But she could not love him." upon the sideboard." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "We must have a cab." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, chill to my heart. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I system of imprisonment?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Of what?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "But of what society?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the unclasping of his long thin hands. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City