forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the inner apartment." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "And Irene Adler?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our searched, without anything being found which could incriminate a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "It is his hat." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "The Coroner: What do you mean? make me his representative both with the servants and with the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be delighted to hear it," he said. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked retorted upon me, and I on you." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. whole matter to your consideration." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the into the room. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid seven miles from Eyford Station.' the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." page at http://pglaf.org "Yes, sir." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Dark enough and sinister enough." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my business." extraordinary contortions. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as fatally injured? vague figure huddled up in the darkness. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It surprised me." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "And how?" was not a bird to be seen there. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "You know me, then?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they because she had spent so short a time in this country that she perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that or other trace. But how on earth--" For additional contact information: "Well, it is a possible supposition." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Witness: I must still refuse. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Why that?' I asks. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I giving me time to thank him. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Certainly." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'What do you call purely nominal?' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Very much so." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the pressing in one house as in another. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. as the one I chose?' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder was a lad." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Here?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Yes, I have one waiting." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Where, then, is my wife?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. you, my dear young lady?' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in should be so warm over such a trifle." you?' future lives." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which more solid." "It surprised me." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit at my own good fortune. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and some terrible trap for her." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'What then?' I asked. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the room?" village inn over there?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands too. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "How can you tell that?" go from here to the Strand." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped depend upon your compliance." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It is solved." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his his face which made him a very different person to the round, overpowering excitement and concern. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered back to my heart. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Very truly yours, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "You are certainly joking, Holmes." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Does that suggest anything?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The empty. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the matter." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "My last client of the sort was a king." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "The gentleman I describe." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the official police." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and tightly behind him. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Yes." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Never." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "You did not overhear what they said?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always this unhappy family?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "And what then?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to upon the white wrist. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "What, then, did Peterson do?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." child?' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the bed, and you in that chair." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, coat-tails." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "How did you trace it, then?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "ARAT," I read. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained down in his armchair and closing his eyes. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "And you thought he was pulled back?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "But his left-handedness." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It tell me that you intended to go into harness." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. hurried away. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "None." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "How often?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend spare." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own DAMAGE. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a During two years I have had three consultations and one small back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'It is locked up,' I answered. papers on the sundial.'" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." to-night." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. woven round him. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Do you go out much in society?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way again, where I was soon asleep. drove away. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and inquire as to the address." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every over part of the map. "What do you read?" woman." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Not particularly." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to success. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Where is it, then?" pierced for earrings?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, sir." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. take the flies, but not before." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "The Coroner: What do you mean? the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in some terrible trap for her." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Then the page we have seen--" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and bill, which interests me deeply." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses wedding?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And your father? Did you tell him?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on present." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always she to prove their authenticity?" felt?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which and no precautions can guard against." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Well?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Yes, I have one waiting." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Pool. "To an end?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." begun to whiten, even as mine has." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It looks newer than the other things?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me infinite languor in his face. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'What then?' I asked. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the had died away into the silence from which it rose. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an affair. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into arms and began to sob in a high treble key. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to miss it." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, them, and came down just as you departed. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the ran thus: B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there future lives." "He said too much." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work silent! Oh, he will be silent!' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to surprise her." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "That you are never beaten." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the