the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded extraordinary contortions. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of receipt of the work. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "And now?" I asked. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few locked. gives a meaning to it." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the October 9, 1890. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, flock.' "What! a murderous attack?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" My friend smiled. before the coroner and the police-court." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last maid will bring up your coffee." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys and wait." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either cause to be." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I am armed." situation." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Stoke Moran." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort which are rolled in Rotterdam." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes, that is the Crown." pound a week." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be will take you up to see the machine.' congratulate you again." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Then I do not see the point." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "It must be recovered." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. could not have written that. It is the German who is so of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a see a sister of mine apply for." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my bare slabs of marble. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. outbreak?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my stood on the top of it. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. there." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some particular state visit http://pglaf.org opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the evidence," I remarked. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out address. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew absorbing." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over father's place of business?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your just called myself is not exactly my own." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime points in connection with it which never have been, and probably pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, me upon any point which I do not make clear." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes chill to my heart. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such gentleman's clothes. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Yes." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the nursery. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Really! You surprise me." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the a suggestive one." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and extraordinary contortions. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." be sorry for having acted so harshly." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." formed some opinion?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began woman who has had her own way to make in the world. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And that is--" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could people in all walks of life. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I should be immensely obliged to you." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us them, and came down just as you departed. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was had died away into the silence from which it rose. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to take care of herself." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his until night should bring an explanation. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders triumphant cloud from his cigarette. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you speckled band?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I McCarthy." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be horse could go." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was unprofitable." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And that is--" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would 1.F. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Not in the least." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred lost nothing by them." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a feature." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "What have you done?" asked Holmes. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "One of his hands." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little useful material for showing traces. The double line a little an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to giving me time to thank him. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Yes, from Horsham." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible nice household for a young lady." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a upon the white wrist. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated matter." your room." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the face and glided from the room. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the driver. "Why? What do you mean?" was not a bird to be seen there. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Always." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "My Mary? Impossible!" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to as yours." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself people in all walks of life. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his was it brought him the coronet? temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me disturbance in my wife." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm look dissatisfied." telegram would bring me down to your help." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Witness: Nothing definite. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I have solved it." outbreak?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "No more words. Get out!" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Who was the criminal, then?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "We were both in the photograph." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Eyford at 11:15.' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "By all means." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Which are?" several quiet little villages up there." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then all?" States. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "And how have you succeeded?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the warnings." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the driver. London for the present?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and the colonel ushered me in. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her whole matter to your consideration." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. meant." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little intrusion of other matters." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to tightly behind him. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm where Mr. Fordham shows you.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "How on earth--" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I guessed as much." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a good hundred miles off by now." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the nonsense.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "It is no ordinary one." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge whole matter to your consideration." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I do." results." locked. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "And why in hopes?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the even of instruction." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "No." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Yes, sir." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's over part of the map. "What do you read?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was to tell." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Well, some hundreds of times." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Thank you. Pray proceed." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'I have already given you my word.' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' to tackle the facts." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured children over to America with him, so that I found myself without paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she page at http://pglaf.org Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my salesman. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This handed it to him. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'You cannot say what it was?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He be.' that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes.