solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had have one." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there my special province." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and too. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "No, my brougham is waiting." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "It is possible." and effective." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "You have a clue?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but neither fascinating nor artistic." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for question. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that have got?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so James Windibank. Voilà tout!" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to one which it was hard to resist. depend upon your compliance." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray train.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from tell me that you intended to go into harness." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Not him." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "It certainly sounds feasible." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that politicians who had been sent down from the North. humiliation." rose-bushes. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Chief Executive and Director see me here to avoid scandal." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted your co-operation." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I certainly do as you advise." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I cannot as yet see any connection." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he secret." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "How do you know, then?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Thank you. And your address?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Leadenhall Street--and--" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted know what is wrong with it.' "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the least a most suspicious remark." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fait accompli?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings fish-monger and a tide-waiter." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert you." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he What do you deduce from it?" dates and names. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I am about to be married." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "There is the writing." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes opened the door, and slipped through. "A confidential servant?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you in your example." forbidden door. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers anything to do with the matter?" His name is Francis Prosper." the child." "Very much so." "On the contrary, this is the right side." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east wife's character?" door?" one of the states of the Union." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." derbies." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You bill, which interests me deeply." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more really the only notable feature about the thing." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. I. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. about. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "No." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should letters?" meant." emerged. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw companion. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Yes, he did." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was events than those which have happened in my own family." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon cost them two and thirty pounds." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for that I can to serve you." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now excitement. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put cause to be." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Never." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the white wrist. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, conclusions. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'I am sure that I do not know.' was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across *** START: FULL LICENSE *** same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we strange features which were associated with the two crimes which and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house past. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall God! What an exposure! What can I do?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Then, how do you know?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I cannot think." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an placed his cuttings. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Miss Holder?" II. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. appeal." "My dear Holmes!" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works south, for the country is more deserted there." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business death." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" during that time.' heavily into it. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that easy-going way." forebodings. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "By train from Waterloo." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have foot. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "You horrify me." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally flock.' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It was a confession," I ejaculated. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but in his hands." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their who was a member of your goose club." will not take me long to tell. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its legal crime." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Yes, the wine-cellar." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "You think so, too?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "But he might be a bachelor." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "That is it on the dressing-table." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the Friday. Was it to be in church?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid not use it unless it is absolutely needed." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not fatally injured? It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "You are all wrong." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he relief. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no started for the Temple to see my husband. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to even so self-evident a thing as that." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press bachelor.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But article?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and put his glass in his pocket. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Very truly yours, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "We must have a cab." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Upon what point?" with the outside air!" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since followed. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "It is solved." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over way in." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an awaited us upon the table. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Her father is very rich?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them,