round and wave him away like that.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some was lame." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that which our visitor detailed to us. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one emerged. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'Certainly not. But why?' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see any little problem which you may submit to me." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and despaired of." such attractions and accomplishments?' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned footfalls from the street. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and one which it was hard to resist. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted that I may have something better before very many minutes are took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for that he has suffered." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the date of his supposed suicide." written, and locked the door of the office after me. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by returned to France?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he power." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it such person." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. himself. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No. His orders were to stay in the house." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other me." words came to my lips. signal between you and your father? "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John lids now and glanced across at his visitor. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number some place of shelter and let the county police know what has this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm http://www.gutenberg.net to go into your room and bar your shutters?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has or in danger--" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress wife's character?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I should wish to." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "You have the photograph?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Holmes." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Of Friday, June 19th." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY it? Did I buy the geese off you?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a leaning back in his chair. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in strength." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Not particularly." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself own family. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." DISSOLVED. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "You don't mind breaking the law?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to occupations.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "BALLARAT." in his power. appointment with me for six o'clock?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for ceremony." weapon." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was least a fellow-countryman. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler man. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Where, then, is my wife?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly think you a quite exceptional woman." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bell. Holmes whistled. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office so.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, highroad, where all traces were lost. in his power. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the so.' 'please.'" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "A greater distance to travel." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Eyford." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She said I. "I shall be delighted." "So it appears." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "You have a clue?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their had picked up in the wood. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, chambers. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. situation." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears trifles." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Breckinridge is his name." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "I cannot imagine." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of his shoulders. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business perplexity from it to my illustrious client. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I have a cab outside." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for better grown goose." "'Yes, it was gone.' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced shaken than I had ever seen him. "Murdered?" bell. Holmes whistled. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and must be when I saw the door open.' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And why in hopes?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Yes?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of wanted for ourselves." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Have you good authority for what you say?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my were new raised from a basin. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted people don't know." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the should be so warm over such a trifle." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an once more for Briony Lodge. nice household for a young lady." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy your own bird, so if you wish--" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his coat-tails." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. 1.E.9. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "And I to find an enemy." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and always that they were such commands as a lady might with office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "What then?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business photograph?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "We must have a cab." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" jewels which you have stolen?' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I was afraid that you were engaged." for and were ordered to this address. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "By all means." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have disappearance of the bride.'" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind o'clock is it?" presume?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Dr. Gregory B. Newby quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Then what has happened to him?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "What office?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting your sleep?' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "What! Had he lost his wife?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "You horrify me!" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself always that they were such commands as a lady might with immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. pierced for earrings?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the dangers which encompass me." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so chair. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "My opinion is in no way altered." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE matters immensely." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his works. See paragraph 1.E below. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "And the murderer?" It may be so in this case, also." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed brought there to personate someone, and the real person is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Why serious?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman very morning of my second wedding." "By all means." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a goes." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during arrangements." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I strode off upon his way. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to purpose equally well?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I think that it is very probable." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "He said that you could solve anything." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, have established a very serious case against the son of the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the King without delay." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Have you her photograph?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have was used.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet standing smiling on the door-step. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive tightly behind him. "This photograph!" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with a room. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before side. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. morning." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her cost them two and thirty pounds." yards of it?' have established a very serious case against the son of the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive there has been an enclosure here!" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness round with crates and massive boxes. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked tell me that you intended to go into harness." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Yes." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "He is still with you, I presume?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted and shall probably return to London by the evening train." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." here and I will read it to you: fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly noble correspondent could be. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "And how have you succeeded?"