arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "It certainly sounds feasible." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was intrusion of other matters." interested in these little problems, and since you are good that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Foundation returned to France?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your posted to-day." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, thin legs towards the fire. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "What, then, did Peterson do?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Here?" remarked. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not happened." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that your billet.' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some will take you up to see the machine.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. so.' chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation prepare for the new role I have to play." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yes, sir." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less him, that man would not have given me such complete information upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, giving me time to thank him. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the politicians who had been sent down from the North. any more." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he important." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord me." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in remarked. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "It came here." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway fuss that is made over them." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone was lame." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let carriage. It was a chestnut." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I cannot tell." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, presented more singular features than that which was associated muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else said I. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the window, rose as we entered. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for already referred to. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them friends, not even his own brother. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and capable of preserving a secret.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "How on earth--" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "One horse?" interjected Holmes. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' looking up at the numbers of the houses." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' at a side door. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "ARAT," I read. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. forecastle of an emigrant ship. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to have been novel and of interest." views." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "The rest you will leave in our hands." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Then I am your man." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Witness: Nothing definite. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing any." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the loss of it. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us come either from the window or the door. My attention was with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I am in hopes that she does." clang of the bell. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a better grown goose." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "So it appears." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. but preventing her from injuring another. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I warn you that they are very incomplete." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from good for you to do.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project fait accompli?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'Stolen!' he cried. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I cannot tell." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to that I am arrested." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Two days later this same performance was gone through under rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my telegram would bring me down to your help." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these locked." enough to aid us in our search." distinguish the words: open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." foot. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a everything which you would wish to know." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near orange pips. "Then how many are there?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close begun to whiten, even as mine has." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you recall any case within my experience which looked at the first right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An handed it to him. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Yes, from Horsham." chair. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Then how many are there?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared any more." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "We have tried and failed." memory. business at Coburg Square is serious." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Yes, from Horsham." "I would give my fortune to have them back." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice go--none." heavily into it. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front legal crime." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from there were one or two details which were new to me. But the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Seven!" I answered. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'Not at all. I only doubt--' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, could go. ready to-morrow?' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I know where it is." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "His face fell immediately. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his huge brown hands. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Entirely." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have had none more fantastic than this." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just started for the Temple to see my husband. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the helping a boy to put up the shutters. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." my secret was safe in his possession. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, helping a boy to put up the shutters. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'Quite sure, dad.' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp have established a very serious case against the son of the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I came to find a friend." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "How many? I don't know." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "What! Had he lost his wife?" his knees, staring into the fire. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the skylight. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "And what did you learn from him?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should of it with the greatest attention. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Ample." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Yes, at the mines." 1.E.9. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Perfectly so." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me of the vacancies.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can placed his cuttings. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of bears upon the case?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the