"Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope late!' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There shadow pass over his face as I spoke. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It quick march!" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal James Windibank. Voilà tout!" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "What are they?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has again, where I was soon asleep. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and quite distinctive." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that new duties?' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "One of his hands." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'What would be the hours?' I asked. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as orange pips. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "One of his hands." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of from the brougham. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "How on earth--" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Look there!" said he. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "No." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very himself to hunt down. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps there is a decided draught." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'What, the red-headed man?' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the window, rose as we entered. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the I nodded again. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it events than those which have happened in my own family." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'Very good.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss as yours." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and showing my impatience. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the so-precious time, but come!' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you him, that man would not have given me such complete information "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too to some other building. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread his eyes and forehead. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And why?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and at home. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very letters?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as he folded up the epistle. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his lamp in his hand. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you that there was nothing in it, after all." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise business." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Not him." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Just look it up, then." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back unprecedented a position." "Never." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not into the room. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Eyford." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest call the police, let the police find what they can.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Will you go?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, meant it for the best. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "If I can be of use." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Could he throw no light?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "It is his hat." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "And how have you succeeded?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See place of silver." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the very morning of the wedding." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a careless servant girl?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Yes." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and such attractions and accomplishments?' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open bird of prey. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "It is a murder, then?" "Stolen, then." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master success. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a late." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten just ask you whether you had heard it.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. DISSOLVED. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "No legal papers or certificates?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." your most interesting statement." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "I promise," said Holmes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She helping a boy to put up the shutters. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Precisely so. But how--" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four desk. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw populous neighbourhood." flock.' were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and plantation.' mysterious end." his grey eyes. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin emerged. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire neither fascinating nor artistic." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the coronet in his hands?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was photograph?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind have one." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the very letters. But what is this written above them?' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, felt the room to be a little close.' "How are you getting on?" sound at heart." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. man. I know him from the photograph." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "The landlord of the Alpha." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "And it is--" memory. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured to that open window." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Which surely he restored to their owner?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "And who is her maid?" tear off another piece?' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But you can know nothing of this?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked copied or distributed: Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; on in his house." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Very good.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our people don't know." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of miles off. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Where, indeed?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "A greater distance to travel." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Dirty?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be thought that she would have been so carried away." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and a shock of very red hair. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I would give my fortune to have them back." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "None." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom confronted him. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "How did you trace it, then?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Where could I find him?' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case taking in every detail of the apartment. to his chemical studies. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Sutherland?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to asked with his eyes open. maiden herself was most instructive." bled considerably." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "A confidential servant?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Eh? What was that?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to heavily into it. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Ah, but I was recommended to you." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all obstinate." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Was she in good spirits?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too 1.F. "To the police?" really the only notable feature about the thing." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' do.' the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "In the cells." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or you." companion imperturbably. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of