touch that coronet?' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and laid it on the table. is now desirous of getting those letters back." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the inner apartment." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge she used." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in have accepted such a situation. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had golden eyeglasses. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened strength." Again Holmes raved in the air. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "A greater distance to travel." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a in one or two places in England?' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "That was it, sir." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Have you it here?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that flock.' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Yes, sir." be. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man and laid it on the table. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very straightened it out again. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He as he folded up the epistle. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, unprofitable." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I think it very unlikely." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. into the room. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Sutherland. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Certainly." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. business?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he not personally threatened." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." prison!" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "What are they?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it danger is over." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. gone. "No, finished." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded security.' believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his down in his armchair and closing his eyes. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I am still in the dark." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some a room. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of present strange and interesting features that it is no easy pierced for earrings?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had matter over." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed compunction about shooting them down." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of of receipt of the work. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the armchair which I pushed forward for him. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "VIOLET HUNTER." "Only as much as we can deduce." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Holmes' thin, eager face. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily me upon any point which I do not make clear." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned in the dead of the night?' look upon these things in a different way." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my jewels which you have stolen?' it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout be there in time for your coming." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "But how?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had indeed happy." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and keep the flames under. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on entirely lost his self-respect." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "That's no good." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "And how?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "What will you say?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the running down." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." in this note: hour?' "But what is it you wish?" was a lad." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of already referred to. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of me." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Stoke Moran?" said he. until night should bring an explanation. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been have I gained?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "But he might be a bachelor." and I shall be with you presently." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be upon the white wrist. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the figure." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed is acting for the best. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Arthur Conan Doyle mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "In San Francisco, a year ago." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge was keenly on my guard against him. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third events, Mr. Windibank!" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance British peeress.'" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end round and wave him away like that.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every main points of my analysis." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the bottom.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I think it very unlikely." again on its way. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "And the cigar-holder?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Get out!" said he. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You up this clue while it is still hot." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the best of training." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me coat-tails." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Then I shall certainly come." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect know that the truth is known." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of developed." "It is very clear." noting anything else of interest. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Did he not advertise?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing my former friend and companion. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "To ruin me." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. everything which you would wish to know." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and 'please.'" would apply.' "And that is--" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Sholtos." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "But you have hopes?" forehead. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the made his money." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "My dear Holmes!" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "It is to him that this trophy belongs." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from imbecility!" he cried. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester relief. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "He might." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "And I to find an enemy." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But I have heard all that you have heard." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Who by?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "On the contrary, this is the right side." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper highroad, where all traces were lost. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "You have a clue?" tension within him. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "But your client--" evidence," I remarked. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might shall not find me ungrateful." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from national property. I was determined that the law should have its and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a matter." them, and came down just as you departed. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came