and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to copied or distributed: all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "The King of Scandinavia." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His you in your example." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you as this. Pray let me have the details." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh, yes, easily." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "And what did you learn from him?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you impression behind it as though a window had gently closed of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed vague figure huddled up in the darkness. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the to have that photograph." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Game for a morning drive?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was whether it answered to the description of any of their and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of returning from some small jollification and was making his way those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his is four-and-twenty." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you quickly through a disagreeable task. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business weapon." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Does that suggest anything?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "It's nothing of the kind." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I am sure." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. coroner's jury." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Here?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. some city in a dream. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "We must have a cab." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "No." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and said he. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt stammered. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all IS morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Where, indeed?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point happened." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired seem to you to be relevant or not." and inquire as to the address." "And that is--" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a putting in the horse. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of deduce something from that?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Arthur Conan Doyle really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. fashion which was peculiar to him. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Did you become engaged then?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when colonel looking down at me. head. So long, then!" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle derbies." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on since then to throw any light upon what became of him." into the bag, and made for the door. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after lids now and glanced across at his visitor. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the loss of it. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'Never.' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip begun to whiten, even as mine has." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Of what?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." hour." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing name is different." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to followed. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not directly by questioning you." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and room. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "In what way?" asked Holmes. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "What, then, did Peterson do?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, until night should bring an explanation. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would to-night." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check whereabouts. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the look dissatisfied." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Not I." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. mysterious end." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began But Holmes shook his head gravely. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Where is it, then?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be floor. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I was afraid that you were engaged." formed some opinion?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. with you?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. peculiar to him. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' showing my impatience. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the bottom.' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS union?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with which I could not give. He asked for Alice. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger outbreak?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Certainly." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'Certainly not. But why?' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I you?' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I will not look." followed. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Your sister is dead, then?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at client, rising. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point happened." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which call for it in person on Monday morning.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the keep the flames under. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel such person." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that delirious. annoyance, but no jest. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I leave." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "An enemy?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Then how many are there?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Project Gutenberg-tm works. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." from you?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I them present such singular features as the strange train of there is a decided draught." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian ran thus: would then never go into court at all." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Thank you. And your address?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'And what are they worth?' I asked. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Yesterday." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, that you wished to speak to me?' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the investigation." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Could he throw no light?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. distinguish the words: "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was humiliation." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the locked. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to shall use the carriage to-night." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the business in the City. She little knew what. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and go--none." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." posted to-day." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if security.' "And that is--" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "How do you know, then?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round really the only notable feature about the thing." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came certainly do as you advise." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I leave." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "'I have heard so.' heavily into it. Arthur Conan Doyle destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. society." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Did your wife hear all this?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, yourselves in at night?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, jewels which you have stolen?' late!' "What, then?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain villagers almost as much as their master. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." it with his own hands." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them