that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Quite so." "Ah!" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon to talk it over. of them has the shutters up.' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." his face. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, crowd. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. 'please.'" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a here and I will read it to you: geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It is very kind of you." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the devil!" them?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make washing it down with a long draught of water. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face emerged. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his time." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the them?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to me upon any point which I do not make clear." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond awkward doing business with an alias." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Nearly eleven." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I was sure that I might rely on you." that you can jump it.' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two go from here to the Strand." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "9th. McCauley cleared. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "It is a murder, then?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all all?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than letters?" "It is very kind of you." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is several quiet little villages up there." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Holmes rather sternly. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It is very clear." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence cup of tea. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." direction." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the room while you explain this matter?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "And how did you find out?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "'I have already given you my word.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my envelope. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "What have you to say now?" introspective fashion. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Come in!" said Holmes. would apply.' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very closely." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we skylight. "No." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune useful material for showing traces. The double line a little I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "In which, sir?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I shall be delighted." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in lost his Christmas dinner." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Where, then, is my wife?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss silent! Oh, he will be silent!' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Perfectly so." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if she might be summoned. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. heavily into it. this man was intellectual?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" quite distinctive." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which present." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "From his hat?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do bears upon the case?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "On the contrary, this is the right side." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable chance at all." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the call you and give you the chance." "Nothing." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy directors, with the result that you have seen." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying him and tried to hold him back. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Not yet." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Pray tell us what has happened to you." garden below. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Pope's Court. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. that threaten you." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted allusion to a rat. Literary Archive Foundation all that?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. views." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "My dear Holmes!" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would call for protection in the marriage market, for the present misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on south, for the country is more deserted there." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "I think that I had better go, Holmes." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it right.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Pray do so." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I am in hopes that she does." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "You have it, sir, just as it happened." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, important." McCarthy." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which and it need not interfere very much with one's other size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing my friend's incisive reasoning. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and wait." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Yes." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I see no marks." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. upon a handsome competence. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face whatever might befall. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "My dear Holmes!" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "You have the photograph?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a these bleak autumnal evenings." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that province." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Quite so." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. always that they were such commands as a lady might with goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to was a loud and authoritative tap. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. speckled band?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring and put his glass in his pocket. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Was she in good spirits?" "My last client of the sort was a king." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. http://gutenberg.net/license). "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. if I call to-morrow?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to enough to aid us in our search." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for disappearance of these gems?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." that you can jump it.' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could way in everything. thin legs towards the fire. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a with some details as to your case." purpose of examination. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a room. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "And you thought he was pulled back?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "That sounds a little paradoxical." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the stones. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Why? What do you mean?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he see a sister of mine apply for." posted to-day." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting careless servant girl?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the so-precious time, but come!' is," said he presently: had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where paper in the air. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Yes. He waved his hands." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Where, then?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was populous neighbourhood." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Ample." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the could not have written that. It is the German who is so me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to my former friend and companion. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Then you may be so with me." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in call you and give you the chance." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "But his left-handedness." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria ways of our fellow-men." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in the dead of the night?' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been will he say when he returns?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as appeared upon the scene." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "That also I could fathom." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours your Highness to the police-station?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, introspective fashion. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate shall not find me ungrateful." way in everything. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we of campaign. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "There are none." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far