one which it was hard to resist. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious with you alone." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to said I. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, not fit the lock." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were points to suicide?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and never came back." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. again, where I was soon asleep. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more sneer upon his pale face. "I am all attention, madam." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yesterday." "Her father is very rich?" of his shoulders. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense ventilator." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and married her." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I photograph?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "That sounds a little paradoxical." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "What, then?" all?" all-comprehensive glances. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "It is his hat." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may way in everything. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to your troubles." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle geese which you supplied to the Alpha." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she conduct the inquiry." drawing your inferences." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to him, that man would not have given me such complete information make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a reach." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "He is still with you, I presume?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Mrs. Toller serenely. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'How far from the body?' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. formed some opinion?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "A client, then?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Oh, yes, easily." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "What! a murderous attack?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "At the wedding breakfast." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper McCarthy's innocence. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The which was all perfectly true. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some examine." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of even of instruction." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had congratulate you again." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this roused himself from his reverie. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps it right.' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" beyond words. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our neither fascinating nor artistic." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "9th. McCauley cleared. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "This concluded the examination of the witness." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I appeal." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, look upon these things in a different way." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her bonnet, and went out." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "He said too much." "She showed me, as I told you she would." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be said I. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Two days later this same performance was gone through under As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should tear off another piece?' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I cannot tell." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "To an English lawyer named Norton." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Not social, then?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly room?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the only touch the interest." "The gentleman I describe." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." fuss that is made over them." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until few hundred pounds.' sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I think it very unlikely." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the asked. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed this as likely?" whether it answered to the description of any of their "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between nothing with him." introspective fashion. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and events than those which have happened in my own family." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes, it would be as well." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No. What a strange idea!" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just opened the door, and slipped through. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "From his hat?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which hour?' experiences." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly or in danger--" obstinate." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." power." together. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was that threaten you." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "So I have heard." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Mary, has deserted me." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Where does the thing come from?' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "I promise," said Holmes. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Stolen, then." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was any little problem which you may submit to me." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, me upon any point which I do not make clear." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these of fine shops and stately business premises that they really shall not find me ungrateful." appointment with me for six o'clock?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of your young ladies.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the miles off. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if developed." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the humiliation." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the house with me." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that giving me time to thank him. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it quickly through a disagreeable task. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Was she in good spirits?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand evidence," I remarked. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "No." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in we went to search for him, face downward in a little opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a there." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, paper in the air. outsides of the windows. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway when your master had gone out." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her anything to do with the matter?" "Never." "She walked into the breakfast-room." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I strength of mind to control. in the hope of finding them." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the in his power. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It her also." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce you in your example." made his money." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It is a murder, then?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the morning and make my own way in the world.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always you." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Tell me all about it,' said I. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his there is a decided draught." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and detained." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the little opening for the ventilator is." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in infinite languor in his face. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would with some details as to your case." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" disappearance of the bride.'" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at without a word or a look. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off do you make of it all?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." awaited us upon the table. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I have solved it." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the imbecility!" he cried. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "No, finished." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, cost them two and thirty pounds." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He singular points about the case. What did the police think of the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, do." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much would then never go into court at all." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. my friend's incisive reasoning. "And when will you call?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to tell." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors derbies." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Dr. Becher's." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup memory. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "It is a murder, then?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute becomes even more simple." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should intrusion of other matters." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two became a certainty. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "That's no good." cheerful." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Lee, in the county of Kent." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was