top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I have a cab outside." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through yards of it?' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the very letters. But what is this written above them?' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "We have tried and failed." again on its way. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a society." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men knowledge of the world." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "At what time?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Her father is very rich?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to get her out of the way." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "You are all wrong." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I am following you closely," I answered. whole matter to your consideration." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass correct than the official force." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "I do." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and glanced through. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Did your wife hear all this?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is galvanised. again, where I was soon asleep. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders some place of shelter and let the county police know what has pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "There is the writing." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with felt the room to be a little close.' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a followed. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and call you and give you the chance." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Will you bet, then?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I there!' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he to that open window." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we with you alone." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That of the efforts of the United States government and of the better can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the paper in the air. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no joking. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It was." Have you good authority for what you say?" "Ample." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon purpose equally well?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the coronet in his hand?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Well?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it think that any burglar could have done. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion whereabouts. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not begun to whiten, even as mine has." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had points in connection with it which never have been, and probably very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such with frightened eyes at his accuser. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the grasp, he hurried from the room. should be so warm over such a trifle." entirely lost his self-respect." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'And the work?' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the asked. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. delirious. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two empty. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we McCarthy." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Quite sure, dad.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Really! You surprise me." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "You horrify me!" made his money." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "It came here." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, entirely lost his self-respect." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction your Highness to the police-station?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Precisely." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. figure." man. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor sufficient punishment." Holmes." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and read it out to me." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist this man was intellectual?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "No sign of it?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this get the tickets." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the someone who had been in Australia." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Not in the least." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." crime." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Two days later this same performance was gone through under homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was keenly on my guard against him. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and indeed which he could not unravel. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head next day. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Where, then?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, hand, madam?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "That you are never beaten." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and do.' "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood went to the Alpha were town bred." and have this put in the evening papers." "Dirty?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Yes." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And how did he make his money?" "No." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs hands. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense dear old homesteads?" once more to my work. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Not in a good cause." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. approach us with offers to donate. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "And now?" I asked. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a kindly on the shoulder. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double extraordinary contortions. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to have been novel and of interest." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the room while you explain this matter?" "You think so, too?" him to go away.' in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the coronet in his hands?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to License. You must require such a user to return or new acquaintance to Baker Street. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, whatever might befall. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to affect your life." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came my friend's incisive reasoning. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said to-morrow." away into the river." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Seven!" I answered. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "But we can't all be." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the several quiet little villages up there." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "And why in hopes?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in over his head with a sweet womanly caress. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the stalked out of the room. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'I shall certainly be there.' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is 'please.'" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this dramatic, in fact." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "You know me, then?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "My opinion is in no way altered." once more. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Foundation "'And what salary do you ask?' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Pope's Court, Fleet Street." tail." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I him nearly every evening." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged weapon." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, It may be so in this case, also." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with which should have the effect of calling the attention of the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "If I can be of use." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There business." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I nice household for a young lady." sake, don't!" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but despair." place of silver." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But what harm can there be in that?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him experiences." the King without delay." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the weapon." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek o'clock is it?" "How did that help you?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "'I shall certainly be there.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe.