father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. recover the gem." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no him and tried to hold him back. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which of." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." fatally injured? I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought London for the present?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure him, that man would not have given me such complete information gbnewby@pglaf.org "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard come either from the window or the door. My attention was fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "By no means." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and wait." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "But he might be a bachelor." "Do you know him?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the coronet in his hand?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and very old mansion. coroner's jury." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of back alive. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows me where it went to?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what stepfather?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "So I am. Very much so." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that intimate personal affairs in this public manner." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I am sure." whereabouts. appeal." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" letters?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing them present such singular features as the strange train of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the you in your example." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "And when will you call?" "'Never.' skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. morning." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "You did not overhear what they said?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "What steps will you take?" I asked. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how foot. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to questionable one." spare." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "My dear Holmes!" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. examine." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most true." "Not particularly." "Certainly." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "What will you say?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful lumber-room." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. your bag." "'What do you call purely nominal?' zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "The Coroner: What do you mean? tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "But it has twice been burgled." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Her father is very rich?" "And I to find an enemy." "I have my revolver," said I. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are your billet.' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "That is unusual in a young girl." "One of the highest in England." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "And how did you verify them?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Street. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Did your wife hear all this?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of too. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Yes, I have one waiting." province." "Very much so." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "No legal papers or certificates?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, or in danger--" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to so.' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I have a cab outside." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. murdered man." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. married her." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that thin legs towards the fire. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come were new raised from a basin. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless of fine shops and stately business premises that they really The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been a room. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Munro.' "What office?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door main points of my analysis." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This good-night and bustled off upon her way. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal tail." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it horse could go." feature." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting only touch the interest." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and maiden herself was most instructive." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my fish-monger and a tide-waiter." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should outsides of the windows. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to said Mr. Holder. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a morning." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the highly," said Holmes. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "What! You do not mean bodies?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Was she in good spirits?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered indiscretion." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" exactly what you advise." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been village inn over there?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "My own seal." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." whatever might befall. "Will you bet, then?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Awake, Watson?" he asked. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he carriage. It was a chestnut." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official before, for it was considerably after midnight. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. his eyes and forehead. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon what I may call a really hard day's work." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Which are?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "But how?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and envelope. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "And I." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been if only as a check to my own memory." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to how narrow had been my escape. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next rat could hardly pass through." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before corner of the building. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "You have carte blanche." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the very morning of the wedding." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's with frightened eyes at his accuser. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able front of me. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' this Miss Turner." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "He is dead," cried several voices. Stoke Moran." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Yes." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any at my remark. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features this remarkable episode. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." at home. round and wave him away like that.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that before taking the final step I should like to submit the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest to Leatherhead. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and round with crates and massive boxes. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance as this. Pray let me have the details." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I shall be delighted." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no maid will bring up your coffee." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Eyford at 11:15.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, his huge brown hands. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I troubles have been weighing upon his mind. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at fluttered off among the others. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Yes." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Yes?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came late." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being think you a quite exceptional woman." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not national property. I was determined that the law should have its questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank