breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened appeal." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual conduct the inquiry." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Yes." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or memory. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then you understand?" success. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just directly by questioning you." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly wedding?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "To ruin me." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "None." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "What have you to say now?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I would give my fortune to have them back." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Heh?' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of which we had just quitted. against a man in the prime of life?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has face and glided from the room. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Why serious?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting do.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as him!" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers past. "You did not overhear what they said?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence States. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I was sure that I might rely on you." only touch the interest." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "And how did you find out?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." written, and locked the door of the office after me. investigation." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about it." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden dates and names. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of room?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good served to weaken the effect. "ARAT," I read. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And how did he make his money?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Miss Holder?" mystery!" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "And the cigar-holder?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "No, but the enclosure is." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local had no one to advise her at such a crisis." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. a room. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything coat-tails." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Yes, but only for you and me." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "A call for help, you thought?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "But how did you gain them?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. comes from the middle window." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one garden below. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the matter." of them has the shutters up.' his knees, staring into the fire. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "He is dead," cried several voices. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Literary Archive Foundation 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases quick march!" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Never to return." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Where does the thing come from?' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to definite end. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I am not easy in my mind about them." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' http://www.gutenberg.net conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "A client, then?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. tapping his fingers upon the table. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Nothing?" "One?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard I have it here in my museum." "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Yes." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were wanted for ourselves." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "No, but the enclosure is." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. empty. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'And the work?' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a like gravel from a pit.' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. of this gang." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the own family. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly nonsense.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked highly," said Holmes. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "So I heard. You have him here?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with dear old homesteads?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "None." green of the new foliage. indeed which he could not unravel. "Where to?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "But you were on a friendly footing?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your never came back." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off as he folded up the epistle. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; you give your casting vote to?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Where, then, is my wife?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "And how did you verify them?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, giving me time to thank him. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a place no limit on the sum I may draw." you?' have accepted such a situation. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'Very good.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not fled together." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The in the port of London." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I then?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who golden eyeglasses. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the already been minutely examined." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I secret." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and your bag." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" to-night?' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able back to my heart. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full national property. I was determined that the law should have its on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to change my dress. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the salesman. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Why, it's a dummy," said he. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "My stepfather's business papers." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the spare." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "What will you say?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Come in!" said Holmes. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he question you as to those details which seem to me to be most pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. that he will be back before evening." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small observed. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action anything to a woman, for she would have her way." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Miss Holder?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there existence." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have distance from the station, and there we found the young lady discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. of this gang." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings a suggestive one." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which gives a meaning to it." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we my friend's incisive reasoning. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Murdered?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. an introduction to him?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." works. See paragraph 1.E below. bare slabs of marble. newspaper selections." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is as yours." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector residence of the great financier. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." nothing of it?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my in the port of London." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, leaning back in his chair. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You have the photograph?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has house for five minutes.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of away to you." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the in his power. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. delighted to hear it," he said. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land outside." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was a loud and authoritative tap. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, not, dad?" she asked. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way crime. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Doctor, of the paper and the date." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover,