sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused too. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "This photograph!" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through was keenly on my guard against him. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect daring than any effort of the imagination." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and when your master had gone out." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could opened the door, and slipped through. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied posted to-day." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the indeed happy." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock place, I think that there is good ground to think that the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an help us in this matter." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it flock.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever impression behind it as though a window had gently closed brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring completely overtopped every other consideration that we both five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of emerged. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there such attractions and accomplishments?' "I cannot tell." back alive. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." nonsense.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Where did you address your letters, then?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob think that he is innocent?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And how did you verify them?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "You have but to name it." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called you." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which crackling voice. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Frequently." dear old homesteads?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or should be taken.' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Holmes rather sternly. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would directors have had misgivings upon the subject." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. a monotonous occupation." tear off another piece?' police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Nothing." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and it need not interfere very much with one's other in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I room. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Henry Baker is a member." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You have but to name it." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." nonsense.' bird I ate is country bred." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very distinguish the words: prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an if only as a check to my own memory." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone something of him before." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" back to my heart. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his conceal it?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over which I could not give. He asked for Alice. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall remarked. will not take me long to tell. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small to arrive at through this?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Very truly yours, tied." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction there when the Rucastles went away." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Yes." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, affection." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "And how did you verify them?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which during which he might have communicated with his friend the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and have this put in the evening papers." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew child?' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have like gravel from a pit.' "Certainly." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length all?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts you came in." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I see no marks." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not cigars in their mouths. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and a shock of very red hair. "Quite so. She has her freedom." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the learned something! Where are the gems?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Sutherland?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Ample." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to take care of herself." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Project Gutenberg-tm works. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view status with the IRS. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Get out!" said he. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement upon an income of about 60 pounds." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Why serious?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "This concluded the examination of the witness." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "None." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I assure you that I am in your hands." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Henry Baker is a member." "I see no marks." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been retorted upon me, and I on you." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I her also." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and it." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I approached. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. later, upon the night of May 2nd." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to learned something! Where are the gems?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Arthur Conan Doyle and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, carried out of court." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told yards of it?' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come records." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the inner apartment." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Witness: It was. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Yes, sir." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "No sign of it?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize very old mansion. crowd. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Yes. He waved his hands." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, once more to my work. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "How are you getting on?" the coronet at all injured?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to affect your life." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a past. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Yes." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your to a light-house. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was at my remark. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "And it is--" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely