make me his representative both with the servants and with the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and address. "Just look it up, then." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "And how?" visitors." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. carried out of court." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case arrangements." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, trifles." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "And from a noble client?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance wanted for ourselves." "It must be recovered." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight you?' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Here?" carriage. It was a chestnut." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we points to suicide?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Witness: I must still refuse. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia shoulder; "he's all right." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and indeed which he could not unravel. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already delighted to hear it," he said. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any when you have done it." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and absorbing." to-morrow." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "One of the highest in England." "My opinion is in no way altered." upon a handsome competence. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, it was twisted." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I cannot imagine." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my said he. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which sofa. This way, please!" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and your relations to her." exactly what you advise." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Where, then?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It is," said he presently: finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" meant." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would next day. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. already referred to. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She observed. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood I took the paper from him and read as follows: in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'Never,' said I. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, of your young ladies.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You have a clue?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah chance at all." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. arrested. You then--" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On drove away. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Never." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to prison!" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in following enigmatical notices: whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the date of his supposed suicide." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dear old homesteads?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'What do you call purely nominal?' mystery." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached indiscretion." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "But not more so than I to find you." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon was lame." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to know all about it," he snarled. "When did it break out?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made held up the lantern and gazed about him. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not point our research must commence, and we will begin it by fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "What!" he roared. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Yes." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to have that photograph." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It your equipment. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Not yet." residence of the great financier. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection article?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped exactly what you advise." fattened it expressly for you.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "To an end?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the populous neighbourhood." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Where, indeed?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the station." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but himself to tell his story. Gutenberg-tm License. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Very murderous indeed." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." results." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Dirty?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the kindly on the shoulder. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And now?" He raised his hand. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not The summons was a brief and urgent one. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the unkempt, staring out at me. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he entirely lost his self-respect." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Have you it here?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases him, that man would not have given me such complete information outsides of the windows. strong reason behind." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really and a shock of very red hair. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to like that before?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. me. You must get home instantly and act." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Upon what point?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. again, where I was soon asleep. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Yes, at the mines." about here speaks of his kindness to him." there was no need for father to know." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' said I. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last point our research must commence, and we will begin it by was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As money should be paid at once.' "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will he died? read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank into the room. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he been shamefully used." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. I shall continue with my miserable story. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'And the work?' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in were wasted." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling astonishment. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as troubles have been weighing upon his mind. nothing with him." secret." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "No." "Do you know him?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Munro.' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "He is still with you, I presume?" too. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to such attractions and accomplishments?' of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "But your client--" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship you do it in twenty minutes!' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the a little more before I quite committed myself. "But she could not love him." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than not fit the lock." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. locked. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that she slowly sank and died without having recovered her carried out of court." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Certainly." "'You cannot say what it was?' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds and all of them with the keenest interest. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Dark enough and sinister enough." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "He disappeared so suddenly." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your for securing the situation." hair?' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of of the vacancies.' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced is so. I know all about McCarthy." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "She will not sell." "VIOLET HUNTER." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with bachelor.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. such attractions and accomplishments?' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." late." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'About the same.' "'Where could I find him?' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's most interesting one." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss wall." upon the sideboard." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have through." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A posted to-day." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." married her." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to in his hands." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a