Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San is a common subject for conversation. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All do." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," business." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Never.' system of imprisonment?" dear old homesteads?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my been with you?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "My last client of the sort was a king." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser these bleak autumnal evenings." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Never,' said I. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he ways of our fellow-men." your billet.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached companion. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without through." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he despair." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I came to find a friend." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no tapping his fingers upon the table. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Munro.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "'It is locked up,' I answered. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of campaign. page at http://pglaf.org "The knees of his trousers." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose once more on the important position which you have been fortunate throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they affection." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine it right.' people don't know." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "And how did you find out?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. closely." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "But his lameness?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'Stolen!' he cried. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, electronic works livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Did he not advertise?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Seven!" I answered. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and the whole place is in a blaze." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "What!" he roared. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Witness: It was. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. she to prove their authenticity?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness noble correspondent could be. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, may never be exposed to such a temptation." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Then what has happened to him?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Absolutely none." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'How far from the body?' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast secret." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." locked. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I would give my fortune to have them back." "The Cedars?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at been lifted and conveyed somewhere." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper purpose equally well?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at when you have done it." Miss Holder?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. was a loud and authoritative tap. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "So it appears." forecastle of an emigrant ship. more terrible than the truth. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the room while you explain this matter?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' papers on the sundial.'" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated burst out into a roar of laughter. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "You are hungry," I remarked. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may is entirely a question of barometric pressure." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I may never be exposed to such a temptation." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" prepare for the new role I have to play." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us I was concerned in it." points to suicide?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the address that was given us in the advertisement. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "We have tried and failed." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "And for present expenses?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to a more successful conclusion." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the coroner come to?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "On the contrary, this is the right side." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time me upon any point which I do not make clear." character. "Not I." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I future lives." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "I cannot think." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not your co-operation." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "How did he come?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. people don't know." leaning back in his chair. to change my dress. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said for its centre. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "You did not overhear what they said?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at which are rolled in Rotterdam." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is again before evening." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Not yet." even so self-evident a thing as that." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, must be when I saw the door open.' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Is he quiet?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I was sure that I might rely on you." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have delighted to hear it," he said. "What! Had he lost his wife?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with shag which I had seen upon the previous night. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "If so, much may have happened between." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over nice household for a young lady." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of in a very precise fashion." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project late." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small with you alone." 'please.'" "Bought." "How are you getting on?" are windows in it, of course?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how II. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "But who is he?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Yes." she might be summoned. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "No, thank goodness, she did not." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free conceal it?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were furiously. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said directly by questioning you." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' character. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Ample." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of with her." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Munro.' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his 11:15.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged said I. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Can I be of assistance?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. views." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Literary Archive Foundation "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I cannot imagine." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done,