the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it straightened it out again. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to a light-house. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. drawing your inferences." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Absolutely?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate not personally threatened." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the society." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. examine." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other own family. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "And from a noble client?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed locked. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman time." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Eyford." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Yes." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "She walked into the breakfast-room." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Precisely." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still lost his Christmas dinner." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. invisible to me," I remarked. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice her also." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is public press." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "What then?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "It must be recovered." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the call for it in person on Monday morning.' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only at a side door. "Yes, that is the Crown." "And how did he make his money?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' washing it down with a long draught of water. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "In answer to an advertisement." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "No legal papers or certificates?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing affair. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you them present such singular features as the strange train of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'How far from the body?' "Entirely." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I carriage. It was a chestnut." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could returned to France?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of main points of my analysis." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. certainly not very gracious." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and tail." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "ARAT," I read. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "My opinion is in no way altered." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' any more." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. our word." place no limit on the sum I may draw." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'How far from the body?' "How are you getting on?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "What can it mean?" I gasped. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he learned something! Where are the gems?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "No." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the crime." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Indeed! Whose, then?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are really the only notable feature about the thing." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in residence of the great financier. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his present." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." way in everything. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the himself to hunt down. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case The police have openly confessed that they can at present make to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider it. "And for present expenses?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I said he, "my real name is James Ryder." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That IS snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just approach us with offers to donate. bird I ate is country bred." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the behind me. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Then the page we have seen--" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin newspaper selections." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have do.' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "And your father? Did you tell him?" man. matter over." good for you to do.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign have one." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Yes, but only for you and me." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "You think that he is dead?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What, then, did Peterson do?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I was sure that I might rely on you." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the running down." "Why serious?" him nearly every evening." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the room while you explain this matter?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid point in the dark hollow of his hand. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have his forehead." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, to you." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call heavily into it. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a good-night and bustled off upon her way. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "No, but the enclosure is." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," footfalls from the street. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter a room. During two years I have had three consultations and one small into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and your relations to her." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'And what salary do you ask?' "It is possible." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately writing, and yet I know it well." him to go away.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming despair." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Dr. Becher's." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "You have a clue?" the night.' companion. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Well, it is a possible supposition." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I warn you that they are very incomplete." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then we went to search for him, face downward in a little round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her very peculiar words of the dying woman?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and dead, shall be safe with us." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage will take you up to see the machine.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, used to be." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'What, the red-headed man?' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And now?" I asked. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with the outside air!" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with was a lad." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an morning." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were learned something! Where are the gems?" "And what did you learn from him?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been 1.E.9. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in the port of London." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would relief. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "I have seen the police." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I say it is." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of the one which your family is now devouring." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. prison!" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE as the one I chose?' there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "But of what society?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let