broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, business?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, a very grave face. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. problems help me to do so." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." particular state visit http://pglaf.org face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to with frightened eyes at his accuser. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "My own seal." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to change my dress. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. kindly on the shoulder. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far look upon these things in a different way." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Was the window open?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was wanted for ourselves." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel bachelor.' events, Mr. Windibank!" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can before, for it was considerably after midnight. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the could not have written that. It is the German who is so and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and bed dies. Does not that strike you?" murdered man." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." chance." "I see many objections to any such theory." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. know that the truth is known." be there in time for your coming." formed some opinion?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cause to be." discontent upon his features. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "My last client of the sort was a king." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Then he might have called to you?" lost his Christmas dinner." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing been able to understand it, in a very few words. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Is purely nominal.' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, at my own good fortune. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able here." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found him. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried appeared upon the scene." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "And Miss Sutherland?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "So I have heard." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch had picked up in the wood. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "What then?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method handed it to him. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the soul! here is her carriage at the door." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Nothing?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has garden below. has little to do with my story." when your master had gone out." observed. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all province." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Holmes' thin, eager face. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'I am sure if I had known--' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp house for five minutes.' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Murdered?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No more words. Get out!" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of prepare for the new role I have to play." "No, my brougham is waiting." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we kind enough to tell me what I should do." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "You have the photograph?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to http://www.gutenberg.net stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "He slept on the premises." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" disappearance of these gems?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Street. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Oh, fresh and glossy." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was and laid it on the table. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Only as much as we can deduce." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Leadenhall Street--and--" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "You have a clue?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I beg pardon." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire My friend smiled. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want passage and a tap at the door. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad behind me. certainly do as you advise." fatally injured? enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "The Cedars?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and files of the old papers, following the future career of every seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you a good hundred miles off by now." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the said he. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you call for it in person on Monday morning.' been with you?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "You horrify me!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "What are they?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Game for a morning drive?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "It is solved." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the as this. Pray let me have the details." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. whereabouts. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in off." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes, the wine-cellar." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a crackling voice. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been outsides of the windows. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "On Monday." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week tassel actually lying upon the pillow. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before more solid." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I but preventing her from injuring another. depend upon your compliance." Sutherland. hair?' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Where, then, is my wife?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning nothing of it?" "At what time?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold beg that you will break it off." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Ha! you find it so?" "And who is her maid?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which http://www.gutenberg.net "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast later, upon the night of May 2nd." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Always." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My would apply.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" clang of the bell. "'I have heard so.' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Pope's Court. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very roused himself from his reverie. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back mystery!" "What have you to say now?" "Yes. He waved his hands." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at felt the room to be a little close.' dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. sparkled upon his finger. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And leave your case unfinished?" coat-tails." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before I leave." wedding?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of the vacancies.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left again, where I was soon asleep. spark where all is dark to me." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Sutherland?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "My opinion is in no way altered." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the strength." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Nothing." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Witness: I must still refuse. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is was feeling which was the fattest.' "What I expected to see." wedding?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I cannot tell." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence entirely devoid of interest." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "And when will you call?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I will get her to show me." gone before you can get him to hospital." waste of energy." "It is his hat." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The telegram which we eventually received came late one night How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the room had already been engaged for us. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which so.' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm