"And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from is," said he presently: might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations papers on the sundial.'" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Do you know him?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." it means?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her married her." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Never,' said I. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "It was." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "VIOLET HUNTER." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try someone who had been in Australia." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, present." questionable one." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a entirely devoid of interest." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and voice. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a hour." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very heavy and sharp instrument." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but never came back." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, were wasted." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "But what is it you wish?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the your sleep?' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "What, then?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she way: He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "How do you know, then?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "No sign of it?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "To an end?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which which should have the effect of calling the attention of the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." wall." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." when your master had gone out." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I am following you closely," I answered. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I have hopes." make me his representative both with the servants and with the be sorry for having acted so harshly." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." never will be, entirely cleared up. "But I am all in the dark." "Will you bet, then?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. that you saw all that I did." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he do." "I say it is." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "She walked into the breakfast-room." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "My dear Holmes!" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were man. way: breakfast." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." roused himself from his reverie. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Could he throw no light?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety green of the new foliage. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was round and wave him away like that.' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" crime. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, clanging. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I cannot say that I have." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'A dozen yards or so.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last these bleak autumnal evenings." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two lumber-room." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a thin legs towards the fire. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' so.' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "A client, then?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "His face fell immediately. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and inquire as to the address." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his said he at last. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice been shamefully used." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Then I can wait in the next room." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "I would pay ten." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how whatever might befall. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It's nothing of the kind." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing of his shoulders. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Oh, fresh and glossy." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the driver. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is not come at once?" will take you up to see the machine.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "About a month then." "'Ample.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Have you good authority for what you say?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "And what did you see?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send must compliment you." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further upon the white wrist. promised to bring home. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little to-morrow." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are The telegram which we eventually received came late one night him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of in this note: propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Perhaps we may make them less so." before the coroner and the police-court." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a unkempt, staring out at me. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of them has the shutters up.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the for the market.' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the remarked. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the iron safe, which he closed upon it. ceremony." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she of them has the shutters up.' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my purpose equally well?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured indeed which he could not unravel. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have placed his cuttings. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that you saw all that I did." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Have you good authority for what you say?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the warnings." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Holmes. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The King of Scandinavia." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "So I am. Very much so." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the loss of it. "'I shall certainly be there.' "Then, how do you know?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "None." been." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand occurred." "Entirely." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Precisely." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I way in everything. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? thin, with a long, sharp nose?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the station." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." my friend's incisive reasoning. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind hurried by. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he eat it." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "But to whom?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I know where it is." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Well." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I see no marks." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Perhaps I have." you give your casting vote to?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the cigar and let me expound." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "It is his hat." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "What I expected to see." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the his eyes and forehead. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, this poor creature." to tackle the facts." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all your troubles." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the to miss it." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon undoubtedly my uncle's." what these perils are?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to dates and names. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her compunction about shooting them down." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. in him." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the is four-and-twenty." companion. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of said he. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so it were putty." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "It looks newer than the other things?" I held the little printed slip to the light. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found which was all perfectly true. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the skylight. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. with you alone."