I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Well, but China?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off back alive. room had already been engaged for us. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "And the cigar-holder?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to-night's adventure." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would married her." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I have solved it." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually bore every mark of being an average commonplace British we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his remarked. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and the church but not where the lady lived." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice 'please.'" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Yes, he did." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "You horrify me." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Yes, there are nearly always some there." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to such person." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and friend's singular character. "'Never,' said I. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "In San Francisco, a year ago." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the nursery. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the death." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert one or two very singular points about this room. For example, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of campaign. "He disappeared so suddenly." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own foresight and the moral retrogression?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my know what is wrong with it.' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager other, as fresh and trim as possible. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his at my own good fortune. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in cost them two and thirty pounds." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and rooms." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it his cane at the bell-pull. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Is purely nominal.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. presume?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It looks newer than the other things?" Heh?' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I would give my fortune to have them back." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It note?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this take the flies, but not before." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes be best to do. floor. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he from you?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Well, it is a possible supposition." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'There is a drive, then?' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Heh?' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "What?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I am about to be married." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went about here speaks of his kindness to him." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? children over to America with him, so that I found myself without that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I beg pardon." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had arrangements." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was cup of tea. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "We must have a cab." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, appeared upon the scene." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Yesterday." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the roots. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have skylight. "Here?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a people in all walks of life. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Then you may entirely rely on me." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little at home. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Not I." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a goes." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will secret." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." of it with the greatest attention. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie begin with, and I had not got mine yet." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." already been minutely examined." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Quite so. She has her freedom." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the any more." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to system of imprisonment?" "Nothing." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that was used.' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been bird of prey. "It is half-past ten now." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was friend's singular character. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "By no means." I shall continue with my miserable story. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my himself to hunt down. gives a meaning to it." "You will not go there first?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "The gentleman I describe." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I should wish to." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new to-night?" I asked. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I was sure that I might rely on you." foresight and the moral retrogression?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no that he will be back before evening." fear." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able noble correspondent could be. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Witness: It was. was a lad." emerged. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" other means.' "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "It's nothing of the kind." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, photograph a cabinet?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Yes, it was twisted." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "None. Neville wrote those words." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Did you become engaged then?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a any." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "A client, then?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that for the market.' colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Holmes, the busybody!" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort as this. Pray let me have the details." "Yes?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "No." "I have seen the police." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" bell. Holmes whistled. "'A dozen yards or so.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" so.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she that there was nothing in it, after all." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every heavy and sharp instrument." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it completely overtopped every other consideration that we both probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps good-night and bustled off upon her way. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me carpenter." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "And how did he make his money?" humiliation." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, anything to do with the matter?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten written. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. man. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the outsides of the windows. chamber." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think with the outside air!" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell to have been novel and of interest." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I situation." purpose of examination. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager was a loud and authoritative tap. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this weighed down with some great anxiety. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small presume?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with problems help me to do so." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general impression behind it as though a window had gently closed that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Here?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I approached. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon train.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It is no ordinary one." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I shall continue with my miserable story. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" III. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "My dear Holmes!" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Is 4 pounds a week.' ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the stable lane now." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he daring than any effort of the imagination."