new duties?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "And what did you see?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his you give your casting vote to?" "None." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself all?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Doctor, of the paper and the date." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised morning." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "A confidential servant?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting is now desirous of getting those letters back." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are any." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "None. Neville wrote those words." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. I held the little printed slip to the light. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And I." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a to-night's adventure." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the will not take me long to tell. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." evidence," I remarked. room. "I would give my fortune to have them back." paper in the air. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Murdered?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "By no means." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the south-west, I see." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Stolen, then." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, key turn in the lock." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "What of the rat, then?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Yes, I promise.' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "But of what society?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A good for you to do.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and looked back. of it with the greatest attention. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than burst into a hearty fit of laughter. that you can jump it.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily at once, for I have only half an hour." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there morning." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'It is locked up,' I answered. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Farm upon the left." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. everything which you would wish to know." to his chemical studies. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to time." "That is it on the dressing-table." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "But what will you do?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'What then?' I asked. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. my former friend and companion. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Entirely." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Yes." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Which dealer's?' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and awkward doing business with an alias." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "We were both in the photograph." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "But I have heard all that you have heard." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "The murder was done with it." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel it. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding overpowering excitement and concern. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said call the police, let the police find what they can.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and whatever might befall. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his presented more singular features than that which was associated liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "You are certainly joking, Holmes." October 9, 1890. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Why did you pick him?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the question," said Holmes, smiling. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "No sign of it?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my as yours." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'Yes, I promise.' papers on the sundial.'" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Yes, from Horsham." it means?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you clanging. money should be paid at once.' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point used to be." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "What can it mean?" I gasped. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "No sign of it?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Heh?' in the port of London." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do then?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start official police." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the coroner come to?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "What is it?" you." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "The best possible." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a done what I asked you, Jones?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "By no means." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to to-night." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the Assizes." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually how narrow had been my escape. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "That is easily got." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his advice." would then never go into court at all." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "We were both in the photograph." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with drove away. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "But I am all in the dark." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "But not more so than I to find you." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "A call for help, you thought?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the armchair which I pushed forward for him. that threaten you." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which observed. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Yes. He waved his hands." words came to my lips. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Did you observe the colour?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the friend's singular character. over here." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told an introduction to him?" "How often?" tied." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a salesman. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. what I may call a really hard day's work." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did woman." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I nodded to show that I had heard. was shining brightly. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and not fit the lock." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Was your sister dressed?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you crowd. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "What, then?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "It is possible." "You saw the ventilator, too?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." her also." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Did he not advertise?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Have you good authority for what you say?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I your co-operation." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of it with the greatest attention. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as directors have had misgivings upon the subject." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which is four-and-twenty." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we papers must be those that are destroyed.' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the inquest, and which are worth considering." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed papers." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly out." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "On Monday." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, stammered. "The King of Scandinavia." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I assure you that I am in your hands." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous indeed which he could not unravel. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes, at the mines." the so-precious time, but come!' "And how?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at your Highness to the police-station?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. fait accompli?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, one else, I think." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." you give your casting vote to?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Yes." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly should be taken.' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all ashen face. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to only touch the interest." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Really! You surprise me." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave to surprise her." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free