her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." to-morrow." held up the lantern and gazed about him. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Where to?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "And help." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and prosperity to your house. Good-night." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady carriage. It was a chestnut." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his most interesting one." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a in his hands." "I would give my fortune to have them back." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "But what harm can there be in that?" discontent upon his features. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, held up the lantern and gazed about him. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." entirely lost his self-respect." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had definite end. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might could not have written that. It is the German who is so mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see here and I will read it to you: stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "This photograph!" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." do.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I was sure that I might rely on you." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident him nearly every evening." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "By train from Waterloo." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that charge against him will break down." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "How many? I don't know." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I am armed." "One of the highest in England." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father once more. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It looks newer than the other things?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Yesterday." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "We must have a cab." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of train.' all-comprehensive glances. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "There is the writing." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Heh?' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I do." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Did he not advertise?" side. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could second." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me read it out to me." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Munro.' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "In which, sir?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I have solved it." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking lips." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for light and attacked it." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a horse could go." my friend's incisive reasoning. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have not come at once?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "And how did you verify them?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined carriage. It was a chestnut." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. know what is wrong with it.' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the warnings." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it followed. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Eh? What was that?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You have compromised yourself seriously." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need to surprise her." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "But who is he?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door address. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "May I see it?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I cannot say that I have." "But I am all in the dark." forbidden door. "It is possible." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic one's self under obligations.' chance." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from you in yours." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "That is it on the dressing-table." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "When did she vanish, then?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And when will you call?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some to have that photograph." "Why, what do you mean?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I cannot as yet see any connection." sufficient punishment." that threaten you." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might had a long day." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "But your client--" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Count Von Kramm." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly tell them apart.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An breakfast?" British peeress.'" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be new acquaintance to Baker Street. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and or other trace. But how on earth--" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were other means.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I guessed as much." "Dirty?" young Openshaw's." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not his knees, staring into the fire. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Certainly not.' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," enough to aid us in our search." unclasping of his long thin hands. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little vault. someone who had been in Australia." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up breakfast." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and walking." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I was concerned in it." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Cross for the Continent." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he them, and came down just as you departed. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a enter into my head. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we that you wished to speak to me?' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for towards the blaze. "By train from Waterloo." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of waste of energy." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and seven miles from Eyford Station.' formed some opinion?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal points in connection with it which never have been, and probably them?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Who by?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You have but to name it." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. to change my dress. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety held up the lantern and gazed about him. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until father's young wife. "It is solved." chance." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and miles off. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe upon the shelf for the interim." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Holmes' face clouded over. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. in a very precise fashion." here." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and down from London to inquire more deeply into it." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it public press." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." house for five minutes.' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'Never.' laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." them?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right of this gang." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him must be when I saw the door open.' any more." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But his lameness?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the was it brought him the coronet? the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something taking in every detail of the apartment. with the outside air!" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "When did it break out?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Game for a morning drive?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without sneer upon his pale face. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the morning and make my own way in the world.' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon