said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not mystery." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' morning." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'Which dealer's?' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "It's nothing of the kind." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get neither fascinating nor artistic." business came to an end." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between to-night." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and seven miles from Eyford Station.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a been deceived." locked. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Henry Baker is a member." held up the lantern and gazed about him. Holmes." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately a little more before I quite committed myself. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of imbecility!" he cried. "Nothing?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "And how did you find out?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton cigars in the box." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Was there a secret marriage?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' any more." business matters.' legal crime." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has together. over with notes and figures. http://www.gutenberg.net threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "In the cells." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and it need not interfere very much with one's other the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "And that is--" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Tell me all about it,' said I. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the coronet in his hands?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the read over the extraordinary announcement. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Just look it up, then." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Indeed! Whose, then?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what just called myself is not exactly my own." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "He is dead," cried several voices. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the feature." instincts rose up against that laugh. where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the armchair which I pushed forward for him. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window there was no need for father to know." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are sufficient punishment." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, sufficient punishment." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted You want to know what became of those geese?" "I cannot imagine." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "There is the writing." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that he has suffered." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without friends, not even his own brother. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "VIOLET HUNTER." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry flock.' depend upon my doing so.' III. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "He slept on the premises." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I delirious. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step window when the police appeared." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she electronic works front of me. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Seven!" I answered. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Why? What do you mean?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it brought there to personate someone, and the real person is some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Yes, all." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could clanging. prepare for the new role I have to play." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "And now?" I asked. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic gone before you can get him to hospital." business?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. of the vacancies.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Do you go out much in society?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a coroner's jury." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given business?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no morning." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I think that it is very probable." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; letters?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress remarked. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while closely." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" out of this horrible affair." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting overpowering excitement and concern. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Just look it up, then." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly have established a very serious case against the son of the knowledge of the world." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "No. What a strange idea!" both be extremely obliged.' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that he has suffered." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken subject to the trademark license, especially commercial about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years crime. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to My friend smiled. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the handed it to him. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and knowledge of the world." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Serpentine Avenue. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Why? What do you mean?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No The summons was a brief and urgent one. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I fasten all the windows?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery ordinary clothes on?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless third from London." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it ago." "9th. McCauley cleared. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. may never be exposed to such a temptation." families. Now for the facts. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed http://www.gutenberg.net "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I there has been an enclosure here!" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me putting in the horse. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Then you may be so with me." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do one or two very singular points about this room. For example, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an case-book, which he consulted. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your success. tapping his fingers upon the table. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was head. So long, then!" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any national property. I was determined that the law should have its rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "It was a confession," I ejaculated. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all been able to understand it, in a very few words. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I say it is." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action call it cruel." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "At the wedding breakfast." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" said I. meant it for the best. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. conceal it?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. read it out to me." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "My private note-paper." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At rooms." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last asked. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally fasten all the windows?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my strength." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a one of the states of the Union." bachelor.' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "So I have heard." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and it need not interfere very much with one's other travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. bill, which interests me deeply." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the distinguish the words: opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a there is a decided draught." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of your young ladies.' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'And the work?' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but back into the street. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it tail." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. be best to do. "Then you may be so with me." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this