particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those tension within him. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is client, rising. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite in a friendly supper." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'You doubt its value?' he asked. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Eyford." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist until night should bring an explanation. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon and files of the old papers, following the future career of every gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be someone who had been in Australia." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do written. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" fear." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this even so self-evident a thing as that." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little you found me to-night--and running through the front room she cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, really the only notable feature about the thing." than to us. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Pope's Court. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "You think so, too?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would standing smiling on the door-step. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then in my life." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "But of what society?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged London for the present?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained for securing the situation." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the any little problem which you may submit to me." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand details." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and gone before you can get him to hospital." "And that is--" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "None. Neville wrote those words." upon the sideboard." hand, madam?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The written. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' seen the man in the road." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your you?' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room an introduction to him?" "What office?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I cannot imagine." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was of Mr. Rucastle's." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to chance at all." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present have one." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. even so self-evident a thing as that." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Ha! you find it so?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and know that the truth is known." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I know where it is." It may be so in this case, also." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, case-book, which he consulted. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Oh, yes, easily." or other trace. But how on earth--" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman upon the shelf for the interim." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work you?" the south-west, I see." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'I am sure that I do not know.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common skylight. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right said I. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'And what salary do you ask?' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. cup of tea. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "My last client of the sort was a king." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other green of the new foliage. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his said I. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he client, rising. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting chance." chamber." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Entirely." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes note?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Nothing." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be so.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be that he will be back before evening." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes, but only for you and me." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought photograph?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Game for a morning drive?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, call for it in person on Monday morning.' morning." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "What do you make of that, Watson?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a had formerly been in part my own. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "This concluded the examination of the witness." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery had this final quarrel? any." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his despaired of." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You forget that I know nothing about it." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "That also I could fathom." business at Coburg Square is serious." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Chief Executive and Director "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "He slept on the premises." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and his forehead." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is of a light. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his in. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. be.' Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "At the wedding breakfast." as the one I chose?' confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was morning." night.' said he. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "This photograph!" vanished into the darkness. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." conduct the inquiry." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. girl said." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'And the work?' "The Coroner: What do you mean? would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Not yet." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "You saw the ventilator, too?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Then I do not see the point." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Yes." appeared upon the scene." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the little opening for the ventilator is." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience at my own good fortune. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Nothing." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "It is to him that this trophy belongs." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Then the page we have seen--" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when foot. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." desk. here and I will read it to you: and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it digesting their breakfasts at home." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Your presence might be invaluable." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened meant it for the best. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the strong and stiff." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a him, that man would not have given me such complete information brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Yes, I have one waiting." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "How often?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the do.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence other, as fresh and trim as possible. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your sparkled upon his finger. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple hurried by. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "May I see it?" the devil!" enter Dr. Roylott's room." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a indeed which he could not unravel. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry said I. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the remarked. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my used to be." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the dead, shall be safe with us." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A it." him, that man would not have given me such complete information did not hear it also.' but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. second window is the one that I jumped from." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his at my own good fortune. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Your presence might be invaluable." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a