kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like for its centre. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Yes, they were peculiar boots." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? of the way of danger. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a be. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their this remarkable episode. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" a very grave face. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I see no marks." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Then, how do you know?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "One of his hands." "And why in hopes?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this again before evening." other, as fresh and trim as possible. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these sparkled upon his finger. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that writers could invent nothing more crude." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "A greater distance to travel." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their someone who had been in Australia." asked with his eyes open. newspaper selections." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself way: son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the in one or two places in England?' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a before the coroner and the police-court." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "What then?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "He said too much." business came to an end." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely about. my secret was safe in his possession. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I have seen the police." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes." crackling voice. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope closely." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Get out!" said he. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to returned to France?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend thin, with a long, sharp nose?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to His smile broadened. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the of the way of danger. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, could not have written that. It is the German who is so country, and eventually married, without anyone having a excitement. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Yes, I have one waiting." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I cannot imagine." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." way in everything. "The vanishing of the lady." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he handed it to him. she used." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming such attractions and accomplishments?' the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If John Swain, of St. Augustine. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "How about poison?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sooner or later she must fall a victim. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, detective. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. sooner or later she must fall a victim. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as better grown goose." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with you give your casting vote to?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Who was the criminal, then?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My certainly not very gracious." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Yes." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the mystery." fuss that is made over them." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting begun to whiten, even as mine has." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It came here." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of a light. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own stepfather?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "What, then?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the house with me." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Which are?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never you." is," said he presently: "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, My friend smiled. and I shall be with you presently." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had writer." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life nothing with him." Serpentine Avenue. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the tragedy. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, business?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes, at the mines." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to lost his Christmas dinner." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Only as much as we can deduce." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'And what salary do you ask?' digesting their breakfasts at home." again before evening." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "What is it?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Not at all. I only doubt--' A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking that I am arrested." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "No more words. Get out!" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from were unconscious?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Quite so." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the details." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle problems help me to do so." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. must compliment you." asked. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the read it out to me." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those me. You must get home instantly and act." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the ready to-morrow?' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client your only hope of safety." conduct the inquiry." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Then I am your man." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the suspect him." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Dr. Becher's." something of him before." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove bird I ate is country bred." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the general public were present, then?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, heavily into it. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. fatally injured? unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Oh, no.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' ventilator." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went where we are going." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me II. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed became a certainty. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It is possible." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the carpenter." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "My Mary? Impossible!" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much you." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "What of the rat, then?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular how narrow had been my escape. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps ran thus: "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. of Mr. Rucastle's." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I client, rising. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "How on earth--" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three has little to do with my story." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness particular state visit http://pglaf.org Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I think that it is very probable." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it following enigmatical notices: He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "'A dozen yards or so.' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to speckled band?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did definite end. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say o'clock is it?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Nothing?" upon the sideboard." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door