"And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger tell him that I know him to be innocent." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "One of his hands." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "It is no ordinary one." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Then I can wait in the next room." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "What! You do not mean bodies?" stammered. "There are none." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Yes, at the mines." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do is entirely a question of barometric pressure." business matters.' chambers. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him in a friendly supper." did not hear it also.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. writing, and yet I know it well." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of them has the shutters up.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the morning and make my own way in the world.' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Here?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true gentleman's clothes. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which looking up at the numbers of the houses." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense been able to understand it, in a very few words. the salesman. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." this poor creature." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. roused himself from his reverie. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that you saw all that I did." "No more words. Get out!" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of depend upon my doing so.' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "What have you done?" asked Holmes. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been desk. stammered. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I am about to be married." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I don't say that. Perhaps." better in every way that they should make their position a little position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his careless servant girl?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Pray continue your narrative." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Well." "No." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a mystery." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I I leave." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I am armed." tear off another piece?' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker long narrative. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary important." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "In which, sir?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "What do you mean?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I will try. What is it?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I should wish to." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Yes." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When ready to-morrow?' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend made him keep the appointment." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to together. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I fear not." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking way: and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune him." was lame." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic awkward doing business with an alias." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it an introduction to him?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being discontent upon his features. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I guessed as much." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Was she in good spirits?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right once more for Briony Lodge. Holmes rather sternly. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I have come for advice." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for key of the affair now." gentleman's clothes. was shining brightly. License. You must require such a user to return or was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I cannot tell." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could late." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "There are none." "Pray do so." "You will not go there first?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Yes." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Do you go out much in society?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See have got?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of the one which your family is now devouring." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed she slowly sank and died without having recovered her into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'How far from the body?' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "At the wedding breakfast." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the seen the man in the road." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" becomes even more simple." "A confidential servant?" whole matter to your consideration." "Yes." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Chief Executive and Director we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and emerged. union?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of in this way: ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about to you." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I bonnet, and went out." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that stood on the top of it. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are posted to-day." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Which dealer's?' "That is not always so easy." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Then let me do so?' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, from the brougham. you in your example." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "But your client--" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Sutherland. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he tail." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the strength of mind to control. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Yes, but only for you and me." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" grasp, he hurried from the room. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I think that I could be of assistance to you." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all so.' other means.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the morning and make my own way in the world.' "But your client--" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Yes." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in bell. Holmes whistled. with her." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to compunction about shooting them down." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No do.' "Not in a good cause." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than chance at all." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 colour had been driven from his face. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'You cannot say what it was?' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did clanging. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Heh?' present." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in she to prove their authenticity?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Did your wife hear all this?" allusion to a rat. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other enough to aid us in our search." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Was she in good spirits?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California if I call to-morrow?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I villagers almost as much as their master. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of clang of the bell. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Have you her photograph?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there burst out into a roar of laughter. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and to a more successful conclusion." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. unprecedented a position." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "What! Had he lost his wife?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed constraint." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the south-west, I see." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "The gentleman I describe." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already compunction about shooting them down." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, business at Coburg Square is serious." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each keep the flames under. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Do you know him?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the stable lane now." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the orange pips. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the you in your example." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the forecastle of an emigrant ship. his forehead." me where it went to?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his that I am arrested." I have it here in my museum." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower front of me. be best to do. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should DISSOLVED. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "What then?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up purpose equally well?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come direction." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and that he would see to anything that turned up. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very in a very precise fashion." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of