father's young wife. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the lamp in his hand. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention was lame." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced into the bag, and made for the door. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Holmes' face clouded over. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Watson," he said cordially. with her." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy swore that no one else had been in the front room during the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she neither fascinating nor artistic." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is maiden herself was most instructive." pressing in one house as in another. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Arthur Conan Doyle impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case investigation." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Of what day?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "None." "What steps will you take?" I asked. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When on in his house." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, was a perfect sample of the class. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and written. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal out." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money his grey eyes. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most way in." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as out." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "One of his hands." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of business came to an end." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to copied or distributed: feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew was once confined in the cab my mission was practically He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "In heaven's name, what for?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's come either from the window or the door. My attention was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry of a light. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Deserted you?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Never.' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a instincts rose up against that laugh. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I shall most certainly do so." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always out of this horrible affair." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all should be taken.' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks ill-usage at the hands of fortune. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Bought." a little more before I quite committed myself. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." think, you have already met." "Stolen, then." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did should be so warm over such a trifle." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "But you can know nothing of this?" go from here to the Strand." said he. "'Ample.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there humiliation." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "He disappeared so suddenly." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of Mr. Rucastle's." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. memory. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building upon the white wrist. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It's nothing of the kind." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "It certainly sounds feasible." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to system of imprisonment?" take the flies, but not before." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the room while you explain this matter?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of future lives." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your forehead. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place bill, which interests me deeply." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not just called myself is not exactly my own." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Yes, all." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "He is dead," cried several voices. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that 'please.'" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "You don't mind breaking the law?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you do.' although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the coroner come to?" "I cannot tell." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have been shamefully used." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "What!" he roared. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me October 9, 1890. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his your own bird, so if you wish--" "And leave your case unfinished?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low you in your example." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'And the work?' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If least a most suspicious remark." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as be there in time for your coming." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case outsides of the windows. night.' said he. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "It was." and all of them with the keenest interest. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered exactly what you advise." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion tapping his fingers upon the table. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "What! a murderous attack?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy pity, because in other respects you would really have done very hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On seven miles from Eyford Station.' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in are, and they are waiting for us." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his what I may call a really hard day's work." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "It is a murder, then?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its standing smiling on the door-step. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm she to prove their authenticity?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the inquest, and which are worth considering." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the coronet in his hands?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to Leatherhead. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from look dissatisfied." kindly on the shoulder. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Always." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the morning and make my own way in the world.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "And now?" He raised his hand. "On Monday." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this was a lad." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was to have been novel and of interest." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch not, dad?" she asked. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of approach us with offers to donate. security.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the child." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want now. It seems that there had been some informality about their firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "What can you not understand?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me John Swain, of St. Augustine. events, Mr. Windibank!" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, long narrative. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to was not a bird to be seen there. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick been." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "And how did you find out?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked main points of my analysis." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had you understand?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I beg pardon." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "What can you not understand?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "We have tried and failed." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "But what harm can there be in that?" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "It is solved." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Thank you. And your address?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give companion imperturbably. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for manager. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a bearing upon the case." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than thin, with a long, sharp nose?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a wall." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the coronet in his hands?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was pierced for earrings?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the one as in the other." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'About the same.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "But how?" "He is dead," cried several voices. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced get the tickets." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I am armed." chair. a very grave face. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the matter?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Upon what point?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. been shamefully used." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that only touch the interest." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do