"My opinion is in no way altered." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For fait accompli?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress me. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so it." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the child." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who it." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the before, for it was considerably after midnight. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Did your wife hear all this?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as get her out of the way." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the very morning of the wedding." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "A client, then?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all back into the street. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At experiences." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good you in yours." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Of Friday, June 19th." I approached. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an burst out into a roar of laughter. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they away into the river." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles meant." "I am all attention, madam." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a foresight and the moral retrogression?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their once more. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the our word." will not take me long to tell. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond a good hundred miles off by now." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Perfectly so." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Again Holmes raved in the air. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a something of him before." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the roots. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your chance at all." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Then let me do so?' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me could gather together that I was able to avert another public him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings records." McCarthy's innocence. man. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which in this way: may never be exposed to such a temptation." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm drove away. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who conceal it?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I there when the Rucastles went away." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some me. You must get home instantly and act." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there fattened it expressly for you.' undoubtedly my uncle's." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Get out!" said he. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at disturbance in my wife." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come were wasted." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I think that I had better go, Holmes." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Witness: Nothing definite. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Of what?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "You did not overhear what they said?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their opportunities to fix the problem. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew ways including including checks, online payments and credit card gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual which it had come upon my father." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." conduct the inquiry." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "But she will refuse." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "But the mystery?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian annoyance, but no jest. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Mrs. Toller serenely. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when believe that I should never have any practice at all. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the points to suicide?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this extraordinary contortions. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by II. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I should like to see him very much." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of the way of danger. a suggestive one." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "This photograph!" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: get her out of the way." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We indiscretion." rat could hardly pass through." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at his fortune, and I went back to pa. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is McCarthy's innocence. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but always that they were such commands as a lady might with four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and chambers. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Yes." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I get the tickets." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. events than those which have happened in my own family." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "And the murderer?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Arthur Conan Doyle smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to affect your life." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I would pay ten." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never you for a few hours?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from criminal. We have already had experience of such." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm memory. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, be sorry for having acted so harshly." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and just called myself is not exactly my own." your troubles." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just were wasted." "I cannot imagine." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "No." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and ready to-morrow?' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Eyford." forecastle of an emigrant ship. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she there." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would invisible to me," I remarked. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to late." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "What is it?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and prison!" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Do you know him?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting nonsense.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not wall." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot possible that we could bring him back to her? next day. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I say that I have solved it." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in darkness. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And I say east," said my patient. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a unkempt, staring out at me. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and your sleep?' nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the all that?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "In which, sir?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies other lovers by making love himself." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I am armed." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to there has been an enclosure here!" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Not yet." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Munro.' into the room. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of the one which your family is now devouring." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and wall." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Really! You surprise me." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence is so. I know all about McCarthy." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, fattened it expressly for you.' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the and looked back. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was this unhappy family?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, definite end. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits