got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman your room." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. hardly wander." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really said he at last. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My dear Holmes!" not as remarkable as your advertisement." "No more words. Get out!" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it go--none." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, to tackle the facts." correct than the official force." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set to arrive at through this?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting chemical work which was so dear to him. This is what he says: husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and to you." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its that, and I came down." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's horse could go." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless detective. beg that you will break it off." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations purpose equally well?" "No." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, directly by questioning you." "I will try. What is it?" "Yes, sir." "Whose house is it?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still details should find their way into the papers. Inspector DAMAGE. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'Yes, it was gone.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have maid will bring up your coffee." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and how narrow had been my escape. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It whole matter to your consideration." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, acted in my house last night?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but public press." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'Yes, sir.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar relief. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Always." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped sufficient punishment." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which and looked back. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are hand, madam?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH before, for it was considerably after midnight. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you chamber." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Witness: It was. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'What then?' I asked. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door to affect your life." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "My stepfather's business papers." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning upon an income of about 60 pounds." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "We must have a cab." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be is acting for the best. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Was there a secret marriage?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with without success. At last the little money which I had saved began at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down forebodings. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The King stared at him in amazement. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more could gather together that I was able to avert another public one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry think, you have already met." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "That is also quite modern," said the lady. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. may have an influence upon European history." "And I." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I took the paper from him and read as follows: hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'About the same.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in get her out of the way." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I see many objections to any such theory." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Not particularly." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was gigantic client. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Yes?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped distance from the station, and there we found the young lady remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, tension within him. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Serpentine Avenue. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Your French gold?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of your most interesting statement." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the been shamefully used." "Where, indeed?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "How often?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove upon a handsome competence. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we his cane at the bell-pull. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is putting in the horse. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "You have the photograph?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her will find little credit to be gained out of this case." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Ample." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle could go. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand details should find their way into the papers. Inspector acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your read over the extraordinary announcement. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one matter over." Doctor, of the paper and the date." writing, and yet I know it well." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the chamber." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" 11:15.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Have you good authority for what you say?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to a light-house. "The Cedars?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the hardly wander." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "None." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "You have compromised yourself seriously." murdered man." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than becomes even more simple." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since acted in my house last night?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "And why in hopes?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I have solved it." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the morning and make my own way in the world.' unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'Is purely nominal.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "And how in the world did you find them?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "But what will you do?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my together. felt the room to be a little close.' not, dad?" she asked. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I don't believe it." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'There is a drive, then?' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Indeed! Whose, then?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Perhaps I have." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "The Coroner: What do you mean? latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I think that it is very probable." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' been shamefully used." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something indeed which he could not unravel. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Pray continue your narrative." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Entirely.' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from meant." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece look upon these things in a different way." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "The doctor?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. as yours." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "But of what society?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. we went to search for him, face downward in a little the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I cannot tell." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they without a word or a look. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "You have but to name it." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "You are hungry," I remarked. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." been shamefully used." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, name is different." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, which was all perfectly true. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous,