eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door just called myself is not exactly my own." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a it. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to public press." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come wanted for ourselves." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection presented more singular features than that which was associated "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." we went to search for him, face downward in a little flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend touch that coronet?' down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in your London, you will know that the office of the company is flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "You know me, then?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my them?" to change my dress. that?' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have into the bag, and made for the door. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which six. Come in!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'I shall certainly be there.' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He disappeared so suddenly." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a been deceived." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a your troubles." me." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, helping a boy to put up the shutters. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "What shall I do?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "You saw the ventilator, too?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a village inn over there?" some water from a caraffe. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the loss of it. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for before the coroner and the police-court." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than must compliment you." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "You have compromised yourself seriously." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'You cannot say what it was?' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. society." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Nothing." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Does that suggest anything?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the inner apartment." other lovers by making love himself." cigars in their mouths. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I was certainly surprised to find you there." giving me time to thank him. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have there is a decided draught." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the States. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his do you make of it all?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And why?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a astonishment. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He into the bag, and made for the door. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It goes to the housekeeper's room." ago." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "But what will you do?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Did he not advertise?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. go--none." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wanted for ourselves." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to have been novel and of interest." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "It must be recovered." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of way in." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of outside." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." populous neighbourhood." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual system of imprisonment?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." disappearance of the bride.'" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not during the last few years, and there are many noble families to bonnet, and went out." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at conclusions. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "At the wedding breakfast." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "No, I am descending." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I is a common subject for conversation. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the once more for Briony Lodge. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the jewels which you have stolen?' "'There is a drive, then?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'What do you call purely nominal?' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." again on its way. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. visitors." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Young McCarthy must be got off, however." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, him to be an active member of the medical profession." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "How can you tell that?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Dr. Gregory B. Newby "He slept on the premises." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "It certainly sounds feasible." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. problems help me to do so." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "What can you not understand?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would to talk it over. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a families. Now for the facts. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Certainly, madam." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I shall most certainly do so." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With once more for Briony Lodge. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had read over the extraordinary announcement. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "What office?" "Was there a secret marriage?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography God! What an exposure! What can I do?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it unprecedented a position." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'Oh, no.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and the colonel ushered me in. awaited us upon the table. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Certainly." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" but preventing her from injuring another. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Yes, sir." prepare for the new role I have to play." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. me where it went to?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the excitement. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault straighten it?" made his money." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hands. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Then I shall certainly come." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And it is--" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers as yours." "About a month then." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear stalked out of the room. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not villagers almost as much as their master. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "But who is he?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have populous neighbourhood." instincts rose up against that laugh. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I think it very unlikely." "Stoke Moran?" said he. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is conclusions. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood congratulate you again." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I cannot tell." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, for its centre. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal taking in every detail of the apartment. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. emerged. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And to-night's adventure." sooner or later she must fall a victim. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "You are all wrong." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I came to find a friend." unprofitable." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. floor. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man once more for Briony Lodge. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his me." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. undoubtedly my uncle's." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed cigars in their mouths. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. instincts rose up against that laugh. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I used to be." the tragedy. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Game for a morning drive?" most interesting one." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "And the murderer?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life