"Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this as this. Pray let me have the details." over part of the map. "What do you read?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his posted to-day." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in gives a meaning to it." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had particular state visit http://pglaf.org impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the locked." "I cannot think." "But what will you do?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding charge against him will break down." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to instincts rose up against that laugh. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'Yes.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, within hail.' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Perhaps we may make them less so." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "What then?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his wife has ceased to love him." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus conduct the inquiry." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'And what are they worth?' I asked. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more bird I ate is country bred." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and did not hear it also.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger forecastle of an emigrant ship. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Upon what point?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with this man was intellectual?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the date of his supposed suicide." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Murdered?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of do.' "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Not him." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." think you a quite exceptional woman." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of acted in my house last night?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "The vanishing of the lady." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing forebodings. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as it right.' "The knees of his trousers." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or back into the street. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is things are very often connected not with the larger but with the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Does that suggest anything?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to eavesdroppers?' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that never will be, entirely cleared up. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." as this. Pray let me have the details." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "How did he come?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both one's self under obligations.' to-night?' photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and no precautions can guard against." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "You will not go there first?" should be so warm over such a trifle." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very disappearance of the bride.'" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Dirty?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "He is still with you, I presume?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 make me his representative both with the servants and with the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the King without delay." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You young Openshaw's." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a good hundred miles off by now." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose six. Come in!" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid II. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from without a word or a look. "My dear Holmes!" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of page at http://pglaf.org the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the warnings." when your master had gone out." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue towards the blaze. clanging. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "The rest you will leave in our hands." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Then what has happened to him?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post compunction about shooting them down." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small to that open window." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he feature." "Why, what do you mean?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." delirious. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such voice. "I don't say that. Perhaps." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he late." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "And how did he make his money?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. could go. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never delirious. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. unkempt, staring out at me. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the respectable self." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from it." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I will try. What is it?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Lee, in the county of Kent." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" at once, for I have only half an hour." "Certainly." who was a member of your goose club." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Deserted you?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "But not more so than I to find you." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle troubles have been weighing upon his mind. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out was a perfect sample of the class. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. stammered. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment were new raised from a basin. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the warnings." "Is he quiet?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it delirious. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. is worth.' "That is not always so easy." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. again on its way. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, society." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to that open window." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To dramatic, in fact." bird of prey. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "What I expected to see." This is what he says: saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the general public were present, then?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "No, distinctly professional." it." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "You have a clue?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Do you go out much in society?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and both be extremely obliged.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the child." "To an end?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a hand, madam?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming had no one to advise her at such a crisis." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, is worth.' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it indeed happy." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Yes.' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in wall." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry sound at heart." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the whereabouts. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "My stepfather's business papers." "And Miss Sutherland?" was keenly on my guard against him. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, but China?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "And how have you succeeded?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I don't say that. Perhaps." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. written. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have you in yours." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting sneer upon his pale face. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Which surely he restored to their owner?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And how?" guilty one." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "And sit in the dark?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There subject to the trademark license, especially commercial The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great now. It seems that there had been some informality about their with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and both be extremely obliged.' fact, we may call it conclusive." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Well." "No." note?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down or in danger--" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "No sign of it?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and have this put in the evening papers." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which