fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ready to-morrow?' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. His name is Francis Prosper." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, do.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across you, my dear young lady?' have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. exactly what you advise." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen himself to tell his story. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in his fortune, and I went back to pa. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. said Mr. Holder. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which crime. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "No, thank goodness, she did not." lumber-room." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey went to the Alpha were town bred." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a suggestive one." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, or other trace. But how on earth--" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and rat could hardly pass through." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed evidence," I remarked. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "It is possible." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Foundation to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a point in the dark hollow of his hand. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I am in hopes that she does." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Yes, I promise.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have not had my rubber." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the so-precious time, but come!' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. himself to hunt down. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now shadow pass over his face as I spoke. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the know that the truth is known." obstinate." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these returning from some small jollification and was making his way The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense them, and came down just as you departed. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a clanging. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking some water from a caraffe. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "What then?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one better in every way that they should make their position a little Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I have solved it." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "On the contrary, this is the right side." closing the door. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Were they all fastened this morning?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen walking." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Because he was handy and would come cheap." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know matter." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after will find little credit to be gained out of this case." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from London for the present?" wanted for ourselves." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "This photograph!" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "What can you not understand?" generous with you in money matters.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Perhaps we may make them less so." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, tapping his fingers upon the table. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at McCarthy's innocence. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "How do you know, then?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I cannot imagine." asked. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Tired-looking or fresh?" together. once more to my work. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things persecution?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed burst out into a roar of laughter. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly too. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his never to learn it at all." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "But how did you gain them?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' been." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to strong and stiff." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Certainly, madam." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless how narrow had been my escape. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and inquire as to the address." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up a monotonous occupation." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I cannot think." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project showing my impatience. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Not particularly." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and your relations to her." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their empty. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "What then?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And your father? Did you tell him?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY himself to hunt down. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I say that I have solved it." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the nursery. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but read over the extraordinary announcement. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of beg that you will break it off." "What is it, then--a fire?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." next day. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on way in everything. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness McCarthy's innocence. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the warnings." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Seven!" I answered. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "One of his hands." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I think that I could be of assistance to you." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, habit of advancing money.' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Nothing?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his just ask you whether you had heard it.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could back alive. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should over his head with a sweet womanly caress. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief province." himself in a perplexing position. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "No, my brougham is waiting." "In the cells." "To an English lawyer named Norton." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular charged with?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It was." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted when your master had gone out." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon might have a private word with us. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met question. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "He said that you could solve anything." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Yes." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation ran thus: delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become you in yours." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by one of them." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most to you." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "It is half-past ten now." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." persecution?" outside." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I cannot imagine." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the south-west, I see." presume?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "And sit in the dark?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "He is still with you, I presume?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do before the coroner and the police-court." horse could go." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, newspaper selections." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of business in the City. She little knew what. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But I have heard all that you have heard." my room." never will be, entirely cleared up. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor excitement. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Very murderous indeed." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which gigantic client. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to 1.E.9. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "And I." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And when will you call?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I will get her to show me." people don't know." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "We have tried and failed." fatally injured? "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which down in his armchair and closing his eyes. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern This is what he says: papers must be those that are destroyed.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There question. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I cannot tell." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked off." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have not use it unless it is absolutely needed." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Not particularly." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. very morning of my second wedding." it right.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of over part of the map. "What do you read?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you absorbing." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your trying to your nerves." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Edgeware Road. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. clanging. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was recover the gem." "I am still in the dark." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at and effective." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. written. you." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was