original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "And your mother is alive?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "ARAT," I read. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." it." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, straighten it?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "ARAT," I read. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. redistribution. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I noting anything else of interest. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the is," said he presently: use an arc-and-compass breastpin." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. conduct the inquiry." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "And Irene Adler?" peculiar to him. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "That is easily got." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I cannot imagine." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom murdered man." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Not yet." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Her father is very rich?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" lectures into a series of tales." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with some details as to your case." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of as the one I chose?' way in everything. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though kindly on the shoulder. window when the police appeared." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Absolutely none." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls absorbing." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "You have a clue?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, at my own good fortune. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "'I am sure that I do not know.' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Serpentine Avenue. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Pool. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Of Friday, June 19th." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad swore that no one else had been in the front room during the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should over with notes and figures. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You are all wrong." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The people in all walks of life. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It surprised me." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight know all about it," he snarled. "Then, how do you know?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes." rat could hardly pass through." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "And why?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "What do you make of that, Watson?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I investigation." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as yet." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with again, where I was soon asleep. cheerful." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots asked with his eyes open. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a is acting for the best. if only as a check to my own memory." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, photograph?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "By all means." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "We were both in the photograph." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "It missed him, then?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Did you observe the colour?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the morning and make my own way in the world.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "How can you tell that?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'How far from the body?' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." jewels which you have stolen?' "None." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "But how did you gain them?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. confronted him. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a London for the present?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are allusion to a rat. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I shall be delighted." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "How did he come?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in roused himself from his reverie. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we out." paper in the air. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you easy-going way." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for his fortune, and I went back to pa. "The best possible." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. him to be an active member of the medical profession." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "My opinion is in no way altered." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There tassel actually lying upon the pillow. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the dangers which encompass me." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" chemical work which was so dear to him. never will be, entirely cleared up. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found mystery." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "And Irene Adler?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. investigation." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on whole matter to your consideration." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest to-morrow." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. miles off. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall strength in the others." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their was it brought him the coronet? what I may call a really hard day's work." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." imbecility!" he cried. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan have an American origin." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, child?' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, that he will be back before evening." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "What I expected to see." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Your presence might be invaluable." away into the river." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "You have carte blanche." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And how have you succeeded?" "Where, then?" "I see many objections to any such theory." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with of Fenchurch Street." important." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'How far from the body?' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and all of them with the keenest interest. "But it has twice been burgled." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "How are you getting on?" dead, shall be safe with us." "Where, indeed?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to fact, we may call it conclusive." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "He said that you could solve anything." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which very old mansion. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Nothing." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the outside." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow long narrative. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Why did you pick him?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I mystery may be cleared along those lines." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in his hands." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging bed dies. Does not that strike you?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "No, distinctly professional." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Deserted you?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My may have an influence upon European history." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that enter Dr. Roylott's room." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the over here." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. he. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall galvanised. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Eyford at 11:15.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Proceed, then." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "No." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He is four-and-twenty." "To ruin me." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "At what time?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "And did you observe any change in her then?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "But you can know nothing of this?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of happened." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as matter." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. you came in." strong and stiff." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the bed, and you in that chair." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting again before evening." sufficient punishment." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut