have an American origin." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It must be recovered." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your had no one to advise her at such a crisis." taking in every detail of the apartment. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it once more. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I in. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the one as in the other." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon province." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "No." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Yes, I have one waiting." "No." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Who by?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Oh, yes, easily." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to ceremony." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, orange pips. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I have my revolver," said I. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "At the wedding breakfast." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY any little problem which you may submit to me." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your himself to hunt down. been deceived." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each lumber-room." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "And now?" He raised his hand. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and in. "Nothing." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not success. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "How did you deduce the select?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in lumber-room." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with fishes. nonsense.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in this way: only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Breckinridge is his name." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the roots. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a system of imprisonment?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of his shoulders. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "No bad?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "But you have hopes?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Yes, sir." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself thin, with a long, sharp nose?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Can I be of assistance?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I cannot as yet see any connection." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very guilty one." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical forbidden door. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Can I be of assistance?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. suspect him." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Nothing." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed just ask you whether you had heard it.' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped again." you understand?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but walking." there." tied." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Which are?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to you." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Just look it up, then." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea with you?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon too. "I have a cab outside." in his power. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and pierced for earrings?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would yards of it?' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." letters?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Bought." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are least a most suspicious remark." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and carpenter." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at narrative." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, young Openshaw's." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I rose-bushes. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. during which he might have communicated with his friend the call the police, let the police find what they can.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had ready to-morrow?' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being depend upon my doing so.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Holmes, the busybody!" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the to-night?' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. of." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The said I. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right children over to America with him, so that I found myself without have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'I have heard so.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and over part of the map. "What do you read?" you." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here beyond words. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Nothing." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Ah!" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm photograph a cabinet?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "And on what day did he meet his death?" must be when I saw the door open.' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or charge against him will break down." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." been shamefully used." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." his face. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." true." chamber." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door speckled band?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. business in the City. She little knew what. "Do you know him?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or keep the flames under. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by she has been waylaid. There has been no result." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Oh, yes, easily." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine observed. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into quite distinctive." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, of." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No bad?" have an American origin." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some is four-and-twenty." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to three fields round his house, and there he would take his lost nothing by them." done what I asked you, Jones?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will cigars in their mouths. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Yes." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. one's self under obligations.' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary swore that no one else had been in the front room during the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit for its centre. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a have not had my rubber." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, your only hope of safety." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried been." system of imprisonment?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Yes, but only for you and me." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the presented more singular features than that which was associated have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'Yes, sir.' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of matter." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the mysterious end." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair