Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to tell." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the roots. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'Yes.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. be best to do. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the man. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the but preventing her from injuring another. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "It's nothing of the kind." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one of the states of the Union." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the my former friend and companion. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your front of the hall door has given its name to the place. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "In which, sir?" key turn in the lock." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about carriage. It was a chestnut." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an little adventures." "What shall I do?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Street. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple 1.F. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every conceal it?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Oh, fresh and glossy." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone have one." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." His smile broadened. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but be there in time for your coming." guilty one." client, rising. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I have come for advice." that threaten you." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' advice." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce voice, changing her seat as requested. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, article?" there is a decided draught." anything to do with the matter?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the child." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to papers." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies investigation." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the coronet at all injured?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "That is easily got." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not again before evening." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was again." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It must be recovered." husband's writing, madam." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the child." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Not yet." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "How on earth--" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical upon the sideboard." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet may never be exposed to such a temptation." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the inquest, and which are worth considering." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The events in question occurred in the early days of my whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who in the dead of the night?' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "What?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to returned to France?" "Was your sister dressed?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Whose house is it?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I should wish to." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker for securing the situation." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my unclasping of his long thin hands. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve waste of energy." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Pray continue your narrative." just called myself is not exactly my own." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Yes, certainly." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you not come at once?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all village inn over there?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in his hands." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "It looks newer than the other things?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Holmes' face clouded over. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been know what is wrong with it.' Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and to miss it." delirious. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of sneer upon his pale face. "I beg pardon." "Nothing." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of rat could hardly pass through." more solid." "But what is it you wish?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "His face fell immediately. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "You are all wrong." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" up this clue while it is still hot." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the devil!" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. out." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were speckled band?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "About a month then." Lee, in the county of Kent." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Have you it here?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "It missed him, then?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his cause to be." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their made him keep the appointment." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the then?" were new raised from a basin. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It came here." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his notes," he said. bled considerably." asked. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Whose house is it?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "When did she vanish, then?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It mysterious end." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was I am not easy in my mind about them." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the room while you explain this matter?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the to tell." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round just called myself is not exactly my own." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Yes, but only for you and me." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." overpowering excitement and concern. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of have accepted such a situation. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the official police." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Yes." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the loss of it. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. heavily into it. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Will you go?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet DISSOLVED. Farm upon the left." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of death." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "A call for help, you thought?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Yes, sir." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to surprise her." one of them." Does that suggest anything?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Frequently." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this to a more successful conclusion." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources about here speaks of his kindness to him." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which tell me that you intended to go into harness." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I cannot imagine." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and your sleep?' something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "The King of Scandinavia." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she