"There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but direction." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Edgeware Road. a room. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and inquire as to the address." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge and the church but not where the lady lived." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to His name is Francis Prosper." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to good for you to do.' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and back alive. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "And from a noble client?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the stones. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. you." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and inquire as to the address." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." page at http://pglaf.org stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "From his hat?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Where, then, is my wife?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public himself in a perplexing position. have not had my rubber." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the detective. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal paper in the air. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old to his chemical studies. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." appeared upon the scene." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid perplexity from it to my illustrious client. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods which was all perfectly true. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Pool. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and in one or two places in England?' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I see no marks." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's occurred." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "No." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "And help." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Yes, but only for you and me." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, results." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there bled considerably." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that within hail.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go until night should bring an explanation. foot. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "It is half-past ten now." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to murdered man." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with appeal." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the stable lane now." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point get the tickets." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "What!" he roared. guilty one." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "A greater distance to travel." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "You have but to name it." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, fact, we may call it conclusive." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took forebodings. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I should like to see him very much." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a on in his house." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the This is what he says: 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall chill to my heart. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the reach." late." whereabouts. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to at my own good fortune. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may in his hands." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a light and attacked it." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil breakfast." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were think that any burglar could have done. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "That is possible." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the distinguish the words: across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the went to the Alpha were town bred." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is fat-encircled eyes. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Yes?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this said he at last. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all death." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive you for a few hours?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "You have a clue?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask telegram would bring me down to your help." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue retorted upon me, and I on you." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I do." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or bears upon the case?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, dramatic, in fact." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? has little to do with my story." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle prepare for the new role I have to play." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always drove away. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "My Mary? Impossible!" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I say it is." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable could go. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. chambers. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I think it very unlikely." this as likely?" in the port of London." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official troubles have been weighing upon his mind. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Not him." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'And the work?' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "You horrify me." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And why?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, colonel looking down at me. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw there when the Rucastles went away." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "An accident, I presume?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "You are all wrong." one's self under obligations.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which all?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them you came in." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I will try. What is it?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." business?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has a little more before I quite committed myself. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the will take you up to see the machine.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "You horrify me!" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the Assizes." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of with some details as to your case." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts neither fascinating nor artistic." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I business?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, from Horsham." bird of prey. "What have you to say now?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'About the same.' was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Yes." "And who is her maid?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Where to?' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And how in the world did you find them?" new duties?' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a she used." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the very letters. But what is this written above them?' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the ceiling. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the may have an influence upon European history." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but It may be so in this case, also." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I shall continue with my miserable story. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There done what I asked you, Jones?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Pray continue your narrative." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the kind enough to tell me what I should do." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices your billet.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and a shock of very red hair. do." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to little adventures." "I say that I have solved it." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our once more. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the just called myself is not exactly my own." "'What do you call purely nominal?' voice, changing her seat as requested. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one