very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. you give your casting vote to?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since father's young wife. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and what these perils are?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present could not account in any way for the presence of the missing matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Was there a secret marriage?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Holmes' face clouded over. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own respectable self." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there than to us. Holmes' room. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own he. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I you do it in twenty minutes!' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Perfectly so." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil highly," said Holmes. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and was lame." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "None." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." tied." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a me. You must get home instantly and act." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point weary and pale-looking. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Leadenhall Street--and--" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. were new raised from a basin. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Yes, but only for you and me." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was ready to-morrow?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "If so, much may have happened between." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect my room." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "But his lameness?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Game for a morning drive?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother never will be, entirely cleared up. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But who is he?" fled together." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door as noiselessly as she had come. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could might help us?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Yes, sir." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully you want, then?' another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not into the room. entirely devoid of interest." "Well, it is a possible supposition." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his where Mr. Fordham shows you.' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his hurried by. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Where is it, then?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the nights." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "At half-wages, in fact." "Dr. Becher's." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Never to return." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare sufficient punishment." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when to-night." you." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Deserted you?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little eat it." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he floor. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I brain must have something in it." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much along the entire front of the house, with three long windows cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage client, rising. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Never,' said I. o'clock is it?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "I beg pardon." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "What can it mean?" I gasped. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those discontent upon his features. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the side-table." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure peculiar to him. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the tragedy. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Never." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the so-precious time, but come!' only touch the interest." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am should be so warm over such a trifle." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then chemical work which was so dear to him. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between detective. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. so far?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of married her." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "My dear Holmes!" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not crime." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said note?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it now. It seems that there had been some informality about their address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are character. the coronet in his hands?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt coroner's jury." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was along the entire front of the house, with three long windows upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the driver. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'And the work?' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'There is a drive, then?' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, light and attacked it." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to drove away. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "One?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for head. So long, then!" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my like that before?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "No, distinctly professional." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "None." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his and I shall be with you presently." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and people in all walks of life. and no precautions can guard against." "In heaven's name, what for?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Absolutely none." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations skylight. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "How are you getting on?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how breakfast?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the looking up at the numbers of the houses." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the you in yours." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his hair?' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the what I may call a really hard day's work." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Awake, Watson?" he asked. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I fishes. has little to do with my story." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the Red-headed League." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'You doubt its value?' he asked. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." weary and pale-looking. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "It is very clear." head. So long, then!" "Then, how do you know?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your horse could go." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Whose house is it?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all which should have the effect of calling the attention of the from the brougham. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'Never,' said I. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Yes." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." at my own good fortune. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Yes, it was twisted." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, together. the stable lane now." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "My stepfather's business papers." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "To an English lawyer named Norton." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project families. Now for the facts. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in distinguish the words: "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Then how many are there?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of think, you have already met." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Entirely.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you