crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which never to learn it at all." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "'Certainly not.' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was foot. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His like that before?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Eh? What was that?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'What would be the hours?' I asked. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "By all means." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. the window, rose as we entered. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "But you have hopes?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long dead, shall be safe with us." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to take care of herself." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you already been minutely examined." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little geese which you supplied to the Alpha." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Street. three fields round his house, and there he would take his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was cigar and let me expound." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without may never be exposed to such a temptation." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little trying to your nerves." bearing upon the case." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to house for five minutes.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he upon the shelf for the interim." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling bachelor.' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the south-west, I see." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it note?" records." "Yes." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from both be extremely obliged.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "But how did you gain them?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was should be so warm over such a trifle." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation he bowed and left the room without another word. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the King without delay." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Deserted you?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name deduce something from that?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" you." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him For additional contact information: its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into closing the door. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under spark where all is dark to me." come either from the window or the door. My attention was brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call completely overtopped every other consideration that we both whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and put his glass in his pocket. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Do you receive much company?" he asked. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Well, but China?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Yes." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, anything to do with the matter?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions said he. "I don't say that. Perhaps." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "The doctor?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so I leave." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which noting anything else of interest. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the very morning of the wedding." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off more solid." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the chamber." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having presented which may be striking and bizarre without being tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "That is unusual in a young girl." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled empty. amused." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time least a fellow-countryman. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The doctor?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Quite so. She has her freedom." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without conclusions. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money room. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You know me, then?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen kind enough to tell me what I should do." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But how?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman to arrive at through this?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his as this. Pray let me have the details." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "What then?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I shall most certainly do so." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Again Holmes raved in the air. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton his wife has ceased to love him." "Eh? What was that?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "No good news?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who at a side door. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "But you have hopes?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in my life." following enigmatical notices: himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." dramatic, in fact." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has appeared upon the scene." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "In answer to an advertisement." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I will not look." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him I was concerned in it." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the o'clock is it?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall if she died from some sudden fright." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Could he throw no light?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, carpenter." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King present." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Was your sister dressed?" woven round him. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch people in all walks of life. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "You have compromised yourself seriously." Holmes. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain happened." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Yes, the wine-cellar." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "But of what society?" "Yes, from Horsham." paper in the air. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully it." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the roots. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Where did you address your letters, then?" followed. like that before?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with yards of it?' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." his forehead." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to works. See paragraph 1.E below. purpose equally well?" charge against him will break down." "She showed me, as I told you she would." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "And your father? Did you tell him?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You were travelling in the States?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into arrested. You then--" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a at home. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to have that photograph." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. back alive. three fields round his house, and there he would take his voice, changing her seat as requested. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless newspaper selections." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached