I shall continue with my miserable story. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most some terrible trap for her." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. 1.E.9. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Heh?' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that I can to serve you." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I out of this horrible affair." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "What can it mean?" I gasped. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Yes. He waved his hands." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank she has been waylaid. There has been no result." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I should wish to." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for absorbing." gentleman's clothes. "I came to find a friend." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "What are they?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had success. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. rat could hardly pass through." "Was your sister dressed?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "But she will refuse." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly skylight. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was sound at heart." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Yes, at the mines." photograph?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "No, I am descending." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "No, finished." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black affair. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he acquaintance?" it with his own hands." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you she slowly sank and died without having recovered her dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'In my own bureau.' his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Then I do not see the point." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was opened the door, and slipped through. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Yesterday." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "In the cells." exactly what you advise." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been as yours." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I promise," said Holmes. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "I do." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the became a certainty. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to delirious. hour." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. was not a bird to be seen there. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she on re-entering her father's house?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," them present such singular features as the strange train of long narrative. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 back alive. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It surprised me." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and him to be an active member of the medical profession." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is coroner's jury." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down depend upon my doing so.' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir nights." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have you in yours." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I this poor creature." like that before?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Nothing." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Deserted you?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." appeared upon the scene." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say very morning of my second wedding." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good footfalls from the street. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left people in all walks of life. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "About a month then." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "My photograph." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it been lifted and conveyed somewhere." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be national property. I was determined that the law should have its at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Ah!" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the roots. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and it need not interfere very much with one's other 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Where is it, then?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss begun to whiten, even as mine has." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "No." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Nearly eleven." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this attention." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I cannot imagine." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, outsides of the windows. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Stolen, then." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it such person." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Pray do so." "By no means." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the morning and make my own way in the world.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, awaited us upon the table. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle once more to my work. that?' "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'Yes, I promise.' "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No legal papers or certificates?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' directors, with the result that you have seen." behind me. to surprise her." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "You saw the ventilator, too?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. who was a member of your goose club." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you give your casting vote to?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would happened." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell both be extremely obliged.' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Oh, yes, easily." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had The events in question occurred in the early days of my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Were they all fastened this morning?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with name is different." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Well." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I am to be neutral?" your room." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And how did you find out?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of him to be an active member of the medical profession." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after opportunities to fix the problem. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall business matters.' "What do you mean?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "On the contrary, this is the right side." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Arthur Conan Doyle journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away beg that you will break it off." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of grasp, he hurried from the room. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with useful material for showing traces. The double line a little but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over nonsense.' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Upon what point?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "It is half-past ten now." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'Which dealer's?' eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime note?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided electronic works means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "There is the writing." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of the one which your family is now devouring." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon quickly through a disagreeable task. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Look there!" said he. hour." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "It looks newer than the other things?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the joking. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "No, my brougham is waiting." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Holmes' face clouded over. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think tapping his fingers upon the table. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the your only hope of safety." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was quite distinctive." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the delirious. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he him to be an active member of the medical profession." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to is acting for the best. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to-night's adventure." be. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I cannot as yet see any connection." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing were wasted." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in anything to do with the matter?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But absolutely follow my advice in every respect." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "When did she vanish, then?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I people don't know." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may during the last few years, and there are many noble families to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Why? What do you mean?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Ah!" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "In which, sir?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Dr. Becher's." as he folded up the epistle. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" forehead. strength." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "At what time?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "But the mystery?" lost nothing by them." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook populous neighbourhood." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is galvanised. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "No, I am descending." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "You saw the ventilator, too?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely as he folded up the epistle. light and attacked it." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The events in question occurred in the early days of my out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of