the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the outbreak?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "In answer to an advertisement." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no recover the gem." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few gone. "I am still in the dark." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'I shall certainly be there.' of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for in the port of London." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "She walked into the breakfast-room." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Mrs. Toller serenely. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as may have an influence upon European history." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you open." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and second window is the one that I jumped from." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "No." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming true." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "None. Neville wrote those words." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Yes, sir." business in the City. She little knew what. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "And sit in the dark?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth legal crime." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to brandy and water within his reach. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both bird of prey. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'I am sure that I do not know.' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Where to?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of like gravel from a pit.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "You don't mind breaking the law?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my you came in." ourselves in the office." as noiselessly as she had come. "'Never,' said I. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Stoke Moran." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making as the one I chose?' the child." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Witness: I must still refuse. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." maiden herself was most instructive." round and wave him away like that.' matter." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "But he might be a bachelor." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked them present such singular features as the strange train of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "My dear Holmes!" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the our word." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief house for five minutes.' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler bare slabs of marble. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the your troubles." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed he bowed and left the room without another word. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is no ordinary one." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." golden eyeglasses. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" think you a quite exceptional woman." presented more singular features than that which was associated key of the affair now." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'As governess?' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last business." think that any burglar could have done. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" have been better. It is all right." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and think you a quite exceptional woman." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in this way: turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. What do you deduce from it?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the main points of my analysis." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said question," said Holmes, smiling. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting daring than any effort of the imagination." "Indeed! Whose, then?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" waste of energy." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you prove to be little relation between the different incidents of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see quick march!" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Dr. Gregory B. Newby see a sister of mine apply for." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Yes, sir.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Foundation and have this put in the evening papers." strong and stiff." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I am following you closely," I answered. Miss Holder?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not crackling voice. away to you." which we had just quitted. child?' frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "But not more so than I to find you." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking following enigmatical notices: is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain His smile broadened. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I should be immensely obliged to you." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious house for five minutes.' man. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yes." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "My stepfather's business papers." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Very good.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the been with you?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but dates and names. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "The landlord of the Alpha." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the brandy and water within his reach. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own that the gas is not laid on in his house?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll may never be exposed to such a temptation." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the roots. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten throat." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that of the vacancies.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "He is dead," cried several voices. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and highroad, where all traces were lost. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I mystery." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like been." electronic works yet." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set you in yours." It may be so in this case, also." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I am to be neutral?" "'There is a drive, then?' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have have been better. It is all right." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Sutherland?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Only as much as we can deduce." keep the flames under. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." sparkled upon his finger. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH how narrow had been my escape. voice, changing her seat as requested. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a exactly what you advise." matters immensely." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Never to return." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry *** START: FULL LICENSE *** turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a seen the man in the road." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in presume?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" I leave." that?' "How on earth--" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk followed. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Stoke Moran." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'What are you doing there?' he asked. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over yourselves in at night?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. is worth.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Breckinridge is his name." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'Not at all. I only doubt--' shoulder; "he's all right." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in clang of the bell. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed maiden herself was most instructive." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "To an end?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage chill to my heart. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small over with notes and figures. this unhappy family?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" will not take me long to tell. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I *** START: FULL LICENSE *** years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I shall most certainly do so." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" maid will bring up your coffee."