fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are for securing the situation." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and the church but not where the lady lived." once more. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was foresight and the moral retrogression?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Your sister is dead, then?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Tired-looking or fresh?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "A call for help, you thought?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I was sure that I might rely on you." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these such person." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid his fortune, and I went back to pa. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." as he folded up the epistle. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. brain must have something in it." nothing of it?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the himself in a perplexing position. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to surprise her." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "What is it?" "Of what day?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said ago." into the bag, and made for the door. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our back to my heart. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I think that it is very probable." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Can I be of assistance?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, hand, madam?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Of what?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg details should find their way into the papers. Inspector bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey weary and pale-looking. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of to talk it over. "Nothing?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a up this clue while it is still hot." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Edgeware Road. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be unprofitable." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice it with his own hands." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so roused himself from his reverie. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Your presence might be invaluable." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door bearing upon the case." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Were they all fastened this morning?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than tied." fire. You quite follow me?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "But of what society?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Yes." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going photograph?" voice, changing her seat as requested. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from where we are going." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front had this final quarrel? transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, pierced for earrings?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear was used.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Why? What do you mean?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Absolutely none." all that?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small troubles have been weighing upon his mind. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but o'clock is it?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" correct than the official force." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and habit of advancing money.' bedroom door." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Then what has happened to him?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the amused." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman been deceived." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for hardly wander." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your suddenly upon us." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the nights." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" asked. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed meant it for the best. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "My private note-paper." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism ways of our fellow-men." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our becomes even more simple." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be The note was undated, and without either signature or address. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes, it was twisted." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a as the one I chose?' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of heavy and sharp instrument." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates his face. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the think, you have already met." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "In answer to an advertisement." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears help us in this matter." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom writing, and yet I know it well." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I see no marks." must compliment you." "Where, then?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Arthur Conan Doyle weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a article?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had crime. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "What do you mean?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain in this note: entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for one which it was hard to resist. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case photograph?" me. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which singular points about the case. What did the police think of the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the opened the door, and slipped through. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer upon the sideboard." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." it." could gather together that I was able to avert another public you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good done what I asked you, Jones?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "A thing like a cleaver," said he. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across London for the present?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Then he might have called to you?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the taking in every detail of the apartment. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." here and I will read it to you: in the hope of finding them." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the child." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly what these perils are?" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "No." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied http://gutenberg.net/license). "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must which was all perfectly true. confronted him. fasten all the windows?" such person." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, any." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent written. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both status with the IRS. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned as yours." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger definite end. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be once more to my work. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "What then?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good whatever might befall. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "At the wedding breakfast." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." I. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the bottom.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few whereabouts. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I say that I have solved it." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office digesting their breakfasts at home." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Very. But will he see it?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler she to prove their authenticity?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my a suggestive one." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see likely to be some crony of the landlady's." you for a few hours?" and the whole place is in a blaze." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at once more. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "And that is--" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Very. But will he see it?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your him to be an active member of the medical profession." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now character. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built