natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" hair?' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. forbidden door. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "So I heard. You have him here?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided IS undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the photograph?" matters immensely." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour ago." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Well, it is a possible supposition." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my back alive. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and the colonel ushered me in. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards of receipt of the work. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it my former friend and companion. head. So long, then!" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Leadenhall Street--and--" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any politicians who had been sent down from the North. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, followed. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Street. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name perplexity from it to my illustrious client. them?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "At what time?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the His name is Francis Prosper." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect his huge brown hands. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "And how did you find out?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no discontent upon his features. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "The King of Scandinavia." until night should bring an explanation. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "They are typewritten," I remarked. papers diligently of late, have you not?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "The best possible." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "We were both in the photograph." do you make of it all?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who my former friend and companion. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely know all about it," he snarled. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "How did he come?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but three fields round his house, and there he would take his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child attention." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of closing the door. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat maid will bring up your coffee." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "What do you mean?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "A thing like a cleaver," said he. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Then what has happened to him?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so fatally injured? "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after father's place of business?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my have an American origin." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'What would be the hours?' I asked. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Can I be of assistance?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "My photograph." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the inner apartment." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Married! When?" bird I ate is country bred." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the words came to my lips. garden below. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Never." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." emerged. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place had this final quarrel? look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Quite sure, dad.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in with the outside air!" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "He said too much." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in discontent upon his features. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Why? What do you mean?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ourselves in the office." "And the murderer?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Nothing." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the breakfast?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. client, rising. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Who by?" more solid." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Street. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Why serious?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "What then?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. such person." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about have established a very serious case against the son of the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of the one which your family is now devouring." lectures into a series of tales." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "No, my brougham is waiting." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. particular state visit http://pglaf.org suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind she to prove their authenticity?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his swore that no one else had been in the front room during the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'Certainly,' I answered. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I thin legs towards the fire. horse could go." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn eavesdroppers?' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a row." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' good-night and bustled off upon her way. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt went to the Alpha were town bred." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears were unconscious?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied all that?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It was." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as one else, I think." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a corner of the building. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Very good.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Precisely so. But how--" through." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "But your client--" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the there!' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their really the only notable feature about the thing." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would searched, without anything being found which could incriminate face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Pray tell us what has happened to you." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is we went to search for him, face downward in a little hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at this Miss Turner." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "What I expected to see." shall use the carriage to-night." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" danger is over." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." any more." shoulder; "he's all right." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Witness: I must still refuse. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Certainly not. But why?' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I think it very unlikely." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. hour?' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "No, finished." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Then how many are there?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the directly by questioning you." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge States. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of been deceived." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say your Highness to the police-station?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Really! You surprise me." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'Certainly not.' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I was sure that I might rely on you." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a it right.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Absolutely none." once more. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was suddenly upon us." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert which our visitor detailed to us. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all acted in my house last night?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." said he. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I constraint." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the bottom.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and laid it on the table. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "That's no good." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Project Gutenberg-tm works. What do you deduce from it?" quick march!" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. companion. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of