"We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "It is possible." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all narrative." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of business in the City. She little knew what. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I cannot imagine." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of only touch the interest." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the in the port of London." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. letters?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out disappearance of these gems?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is is so. I know all about McCarthy." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally likely to be some crony of the landlady's." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap see a sister of mine apply for." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Pray continue your narrative." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Does that suggest anything?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age distance from the station, and there we found the young lady coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting rose-bushes. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to a light-house. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the security.' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such better in every way that they should make their position a little "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I say that I have solved it." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, spark where all is dark to me." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Yes." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Thank you. And your address?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last generous with you in money matters.' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Witness: Nothing definite. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the if only as a check to my own memory." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "And from a noble client?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. you give your casting vote to?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Then, how do you know?" "The landlord of the Alpha." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Here?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Certainly not.' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is one of the states of the Union." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by questioning and rather startled gaze. know all about it," he snarled. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of here and I will read it to you: his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a vanished into the darkness. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real companion. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Have you good authority for what you say?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, are, I think, all that we need." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Always." became a certainty. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "What then?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case spare." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year horse could go." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the matter." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "It is no ordinary one." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "In heaven's name, what for?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. His smile broadened. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United lips." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Mrs. Toller serenely. make me his representative both with the servants and with the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is overpowering excitement and concern. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical what do you think they found in the pockets?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours mysterious business." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I cannot imagine." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my showing my impatience. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior laugh and put his lips to my ear. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came shall not find me ungrateful." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. think that any burglar could have done. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "At the wedding breakfast." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently not fit the lock." the very morning of the wedding." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a bearing upon the case." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "And help." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the tragedy. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed signal between you and your father? "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the experiences." this Miss Turner." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on have not had my rubber." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "And I." indeed which he could not unravel. must compliment you." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy not fit the lock." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came have one." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. and it need not interfere very much with one's other the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "What have you done?" asked Holmes. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "The vanishing of the lady." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And now?" He raised his hand. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "A confidential servant?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and the whole place is in a blaze." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "My photograph." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found I have it here in my museum." seen the man in the road." "What will you say?" evidence," I remarked. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at your troubles." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the would apply.' with the outside air!" it." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan British peeress.'" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Game for a morning drive?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "I am about to be married." it." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Have you it here?" "You have carte blanche." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "When did she vanish, then?" never will be, entirely cleared up. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "She showed me, as I told you she would." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out has little to do with my story." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He disappeared so suddenly." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant my special province." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "The King of Scandinavia." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You are hungry," I remarked. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of you in yours." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Were they all fastened this morning?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love really the only notable feature about the thing." "How did you deduce the select?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these directly by questioning you." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Perhaps we may make them less so." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' yet." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court this Miss Turner." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Witness: Nothing definite. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address might help us?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. instincts rose up against that laugh. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a meant." http://gutenberg.net/license). "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down what these perils are?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Of Friday, June 19th." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to man. I know him from the photograph." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Ten will be early enough." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" with her." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the strength in the others." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I came to find a friend." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "But she could not love him." long narrative. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." me. You must get home instantly and act." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If them?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over night.' said he. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have visitors." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford intimate personal affairs in this public manner." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. amused." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector business matters.' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and wait." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his