time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'I shall certainly be there.' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, his huge brown hands. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" that?' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the to miss it." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, go from here to the Strand." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" which we had just quitted. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it pierced for earrings?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to arrive at through this?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating them, and came down just as you departed. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "What then?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward married her." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son views." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's papers on the sundial.'" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I goes." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered even of instruction." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. entirely devoid of interest." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in away to you." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." assist you in forming an opinion." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his garden below. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Here?" away into the river." desk. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. just called myself is not exactly my own." national property. I was determined that the law should have its hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. absorbing." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in fat-encircled eyes. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic it." morning." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "It is his hat." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should business at Coburg Square is serious." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do over with notes and figures. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and electronic works having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the ceiling. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Was there a secret marriage?" again." was it brought him the coronet? back into the street. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Pray tell us what has happened to you." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea unclasping of his long thin hands. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." lost his Christmas dinner." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by like gravel from a pit.' permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies at my own good fortune. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Will you go?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his McCarthy's innocence. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The night.' said he. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not pressing in one house as in another. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No, distinctly professional." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'And the work?' "How can you tell that?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just dead, shall be safe with us." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three have had none more fantastic than this." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the devil!" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open call you and give you the chance." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both cost them two and thirty pounds." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it you give your casting vote to?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "From his hat?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I think that it is very probable." without a word or a look. my secret was safe in his possession. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Foundation conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes, certainly." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "My stepfather's business papers." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, crime. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the child." bearing upon the case." his forehead." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which then?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "And I to find an enemy." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to you." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I have my revolver," said I. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. it." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "What is it?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be mysterious end." "Yes, sir." next day. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. page at http://pglaf.org swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'About the same.' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will to a light-house. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few 'I should be able to look after that for you.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." so far?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Why? What do you mean?" is four-and-twenty." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Most admirably.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help ready to-morrow?' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. opportunities to fix the problem. woman." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." remarked. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "What have you to say now?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I am following you closely," I answered. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right that you saw all that I did." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." o'clock is it?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether The events in question occurred in the early days of my friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my bare slabs of marble. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'Yes, sir.' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney know that the truth is known." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" woven round him. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Nothing." have accepted such a situation. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent happened." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I have my revolver," said I. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Ha! you find it so?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and opened the door, and slipped through. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced to miss it." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. so.' "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And from a noble client?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given strong reason behind." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. three of the beryls in it, was missing. help us in this matter." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I am armed." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I am to be neutral?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these fluttered off among the others. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the general public were present, then?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Have you her photograph?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Then I can wait in the next room." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. bachelor.' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in night.' said he. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY a monotonous occupation." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'As governess?' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and it need not interfere very much with one's other right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian strength." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few charged with?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "And how?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "It is half-past ten now." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post if only as a check to my own memory." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. call it cruel." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must his grey eyes. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent you." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would paper in the air. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong death." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then you want, then?' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' narrative." case-book, which he consulted. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "How did you deduce the select?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his fishes. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I outsides of the windows. orange pips. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I am about to be married." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought girl said." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert business." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an over with notes and figures. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I am still in the dark." "'Certainly not.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small appeal." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in business matters.' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not happened." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Yes, he did." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "You were travelling in the States?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." stepfather?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "But not more so than I to find you." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "She walked into the breakfast-room." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table.