where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the stable lane now." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. gbnewby@pglaf.org "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'Certainly not.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed into the bag, and made for the door. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the side-table." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I was afraid that you were engaged." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. again before evening." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. lips." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Have you it here?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that he has suffered." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know together. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "What will you do, then?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Holmes rather sternly. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur room had already been engaged for us. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for possible that we could bring him back to her? "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are where Mr. Fordham shows you.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the address that was given us in the advertisement. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my works. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and the church but not where the lady lived." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a works. See paragraph 1.E below. lost nothing by them." "Witness: Nothing definite. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De upon the white wrist. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." results." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Ample." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "You are hungry," I remarked. to-night?' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but if I call to-morrow?" the matter." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg is four-and-twenty." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and them, and came down just as you departed. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. three fields round his house, and there he would take his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" think that he is innocent?" with you alone." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is conduct the inquiry." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to Leatherhead. danger is over." the room while you explain this matter?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. not fit the lock." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of clang of the bell. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I fear not." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. politicians who had been sent down from the North. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You horrify me!" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'In my own bureau.' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of man. I know him from the photograph." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "You will not go there first?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Certainly not.' enter Dr. Roylott's room." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I do." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted locked. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement even so self-evident a thing as that." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, nonsense.' is," said he presently: States. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the evidence," I remarked. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could photograph?" "Upon what point?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the a monotonous occupation." bill, which interests me deeply." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every system of imprisonment?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But what is it you wish?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Why that?' I asks. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, to talk it over. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think chemical work which was so dear to him. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the tragedy. "Thank you. And your address?" main points of my analysis." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And I to find an enemy." "They are typewritten," I remarked. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "You were travelling in the States?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to formed some opinion?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me keep the flames under. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight into the room. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the experiences." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless answered with a sidelong glance. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite three of the beryls in it, was missing. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "What can it mean?" I gasped. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "And how did you find out?" the stable lane now." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I tension within him. of Fenchurch Street." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new meant it for the best. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing think, you have already met." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" than was visible to me." the window, rose as we entered. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for come either from the window or the door. My attention was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect woman." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Then the page we have seen--" "Game for a morning drive?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age chair. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" trifles." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. is a common subject for conversation. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "You have the photograph?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "You have compromised yourself seriously." matter." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Absolutely?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY guilty parties." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has examine." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of your bag." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Then I shall certainly come." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I assure you that I am in your hands." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "But your client--" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten enter into my head. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "My dear Holmes!" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to tackle the facts." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything nights." pressing in one house as in another. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "The Coroner: What do you mean? innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "In which, sir?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family society." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity think, you have already met." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the he bowed and left the room without another word. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a village inn over there?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to miss it." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'About the same.' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the vanished into the darkness. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the death." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my swore that no one else had been in the front room during the never will be, entirely cleared up. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "I will try. What is it?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." within hail.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great but preventing her from injuring another. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Where could I find him?' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such gone before you can get him to hospital." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, your room." was shining brightly. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of note-paper. It read in this fashion: rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed said he at last. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "What do you mean?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said a little more before I quite committed myself. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'I have heard so.' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You horrify me." me upon any point which I do not make clear." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "What can you not understand?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Here?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, prisoner's face. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an is four-and-twenty." with some details as to your case." the station." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Watson," he said cordially. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Yes, from Horsham." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from imbecility!" he cried. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, written, and locked the door of the office after me. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to help us in this matter." "Can I be of assistance?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "What?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, eavesdroppers?' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Pool. "You are hungry," I remarked. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of the vacancies.' house for five minutes.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'Is purely nominal.' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a