Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Certainly." tied." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for this remarkable episode. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, all?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "You think so, too?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but night.' said he. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case mysterious business." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wedding?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I see no marks." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary threw himself down with his face to the pillow. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and hopeless attempt at recovering them." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Dr. Becher's." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net noble correspondent could be. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we like gravel from a pit.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "But how?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains I held the little printed slip to the light. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. bare slabs of marble. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers fait accompli?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him answered with a sidelong glance. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent redistribution. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the Assizes." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I don't say that. Perhaps." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I fear not." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. noble correspondent could be. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any about. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Pope's Court. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Bought." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the have established a very serious case against the son of the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which we had just quitted. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the astonishment. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious get her out of the way." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think empty. Eyford at 11:15.' schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Holmes' thin, eager face. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of of Mr. Rucastle's." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his highroad, where all traces were lost. "I have hopes." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "That is it on the dressing-table." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "And you don't know his address?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the devil!" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Come in!" said he. man. I know him from the photograph." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "But not more so than I to find you." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with see me here to avoid scandal." see me here to avoid scandal." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "A confidential servant?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "At half-wages, in fact." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "A call for help, you thought?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "How did you trace it, then?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there maiden herself was most instructive." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Holmes' face clouded over. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my examine." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who matter over." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some vault. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could cost them two and thirty pounds." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence me upon any point which I do not make clear." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a suggestive one." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "And for present expenses?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to redistribution. the roots. helping a boy to put up the shutters. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And why in hopes?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your with you alone." followed. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the matter?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There wedding?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! over with notes and figures. "'How far from the body?' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "What can it mean?" I gasped. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of call the police, let the police find what they can.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old eavesdroppers?' seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was important." whereabouts. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the together. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we respectable self." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'There is a drive, then?' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted you give your casting vote to?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Dr. Becher's." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "How about poison?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Oh, fresh and glossy." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment it." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, discontent upon his features. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." someone who had been in Australia." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "I answered that I had not. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'And the work?' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the best of training." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw was keenly on my guard against him. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Oh, yes, easily." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, that you saw all that I did." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "My last client of the sort was a king." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is speckled band?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were amused." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather his fortune, and I went back to pa. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport spark where all is dark to me." "Here?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may made him keep the appointment." ordinary clothes on?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the are windows in it, of course?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "My private note-paper." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel stepfather?" weapon." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open it with his own hands." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Yes." at my remark. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a not as remarkable as your advertisement." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder photograph?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, to change my dress. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Then let me do so?' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Nothing?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "My Mary? Impossible!" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on even of instruction." said he at last. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "To the police?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." about. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged train from Paddington which would bring you there at about could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I am to be neutral?" more terrible than the truth. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "When did she vanish, then?" there!' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "The landlord of the Alpha." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel coroner's jury." paper in the air. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Yes, all." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "How did you deduce the select?" your Highness to the police-station?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced matter over." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "How did you deduce the select?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "How about poison?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to bird of prey. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house,