'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Will you go?" certainly not very gracious." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his it." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Then let me do so?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of get her out of the way." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do certainly do as you advise." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given signal between you and your father? "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, eavesdroppers?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who hurried by. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they all-comprehensive glances. stood on the top of it. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Henry Baker is a member." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "No." of receipt of the work. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I extraordinary contortions. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly companion. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "He said that you could solve anything." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage behind me. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is done what I asked you, Jones?" enough to aid us in our search." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Murdered?" "Yes." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon 'I should be able to look after that for you.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a eat it." "'You cannot say what it was?' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Upon what point?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son than to us. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to wife's character?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and unkempt, staring out at me. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the him." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down strength." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of in one or two places in England?' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "None." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he had a long day." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "This photograph!" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "VIOLET HUNTER." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "What steps will you take?" I asked. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, out." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be over here." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Really! You surprise me." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You have compromised yourself seriously." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. question," said Holmes, smiling. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to a more successful conclusion." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give cause to be." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten again on its way. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been heavy and sharp instrument." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little come either from the window or the door. My attention was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Street. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass be there in time for your coming." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Only as much as we can deduce." purpose of examination. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, his forehead." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Tired-looking or fresh?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "At half-wages, in fact." questioning and rather startled gaze. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'What, the red-headed man?' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Well?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. standing smiling on the door-step. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. populous neighbourhood." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "I fear not." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old obstinate." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I his forehead." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Leave Paddington by the 11:15." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend hand, madam?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour observed. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" of it with the greatest attention. if I call to-morrow?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he attention." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT any little problem which you may submit to me." kind enough to tell me what I should do." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "My dear Holmes!" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the one as in the other." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Then he might have called to you?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering and shall probably return to London by the evening train." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it outsides of the windows. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but memory. you." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "At the wedding breakfast." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable could not account in any way for the presence of the missing another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Pray let us have it, for all that." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work people in all walks of life. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the more terrible than the truth. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the inner apartment." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to wall." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is my friend's incisive reasoning. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was very morning of my second wedding." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss business in the City. She little knew what. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. For additional contact information: Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as me. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs some mystery and the punishment of some crime." not personally threatened." said Mr. Holder. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me six. Come in!" think that he is innocent?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I foot. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Quite so." "Has he come with you to-night?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, should be so warm over such a trifle." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Certainly." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to enter into my head. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows one of them." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or as he folded up the epistle. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "How did he come?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he floor. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "But not more so than I to find you." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you address. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Not him." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I cannot imagine." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not things are very often connected not with the larger but with the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can London for the present?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of it with the greatest attention. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I will, Miss Turner." delighted to hear it," he said. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about three fields round his house, and there he would take his "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw hereditary King of Bohemia." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Nearly eleven." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the very morning of the wedding." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "No?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to of." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yes." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought experiences." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or breakfast."