did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Holmes." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. which our visitor detailed to us. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the room while you explain this matter?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to Leatherhead. beyond words. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for affair. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my thought that she would have been so carried away." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which kindly on the shoulder. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the be there in time for your coming." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "My opinion is in no way altered." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must success. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Certainly." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it later, upon the night of May 2nd." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and in him." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. wedding?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "It missed him, then?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I answered that I had not. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Not particularly." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "In San Francisco, a year ago." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation enter into my head. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting status with the IRS. enter into my head. such attractions and accomplishments?' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the coronet in his hands?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of question. "Yes, all." your bag." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Then he might have called to you?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "So it appears." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with were new raised from a basin. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made congenial hunt. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that case before our client came into the room." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "What is it?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" fishes. bonnet, and went out." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before mystery!" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Arthur Conan Doyle The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted during the last few years, and there are many noble families to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that you saw all that I did." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "On your arm?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its visitors." any more." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin vague figure huddled up in the darkness. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version new duties?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Then I shall certainly come." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and it." "But she could not love him." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the child." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, that he has suffered." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "It goes to the housekeeper's room." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit your bag." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Mrs. Toller serenely. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "A confidential servant?" you for a few hours?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared all that?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out other, as fresh and trim as possible. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Your sister is dead, then?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the crime. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the she might be summoned. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to three fields round his house, and there he would take his heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic way: equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay less than 26s. 4d. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. not as remarkable as your advertisement." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a questioning and rather startled gaze. and laid it on the table. trifles." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his face and glided from the room. prison!" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "And I say east," said my patient. "'Entirely.' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge invisible to me," I remarked. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together someone who had been in Australia." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness in a very precise fashion." carriage. It was a chestnut." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "In what way?" asked Holmes. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Pray tell us what has happened to you." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. tell me that you intended to go into harness." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' experiences." the night.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "In San Francisco, a year ago." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. said he. that "Have you her photograph?" "This photograph!" child?' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It must be recovered." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the devil!" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which more solid." I shall continue with my miserable story. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'And what salary do you ask?' never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "No, distinctly professional." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And why?" the so-precious time, but come!' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does way in." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. tell him that I know him to be innocent." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her business?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler into the bag, and made for the door. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Doctor, of the paper and the date." gone. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." could not have written that. It is the German who is so Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "And I to find an enemy." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And you thought he was pulled back?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than second." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. returned to France?" "I cannot tell." States. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Absolutely none." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert hour." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the there is a decided draught." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I joking. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Well." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest head. So long, then!" already been minutely examined." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed of Fenchurch Street." "But what harm can there be in that?" paper in the air. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the certainly do as you advise." coat-tails." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Yes." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six flock.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah there was no need for father to know." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'There is a drive, then?' unprecedented a position." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes!