not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I shall be delighted." what do you think they found in the pockets?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it DISSOLVED. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was light and attacked it." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and humiliation." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that following enigmatical notices: I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "My stepfather's business papers." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the you in yours." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had easy-going way." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the interests were the same as his." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner a very grave face. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "And on what day did he meet his death?" "It surprised me." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Dr. Becher's." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, mystery!" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several cigars in their mouths. "In heaven's name, what for?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The best possible." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and in this note: sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "What?" "Was there a secret marriage?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much you want, then?' square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Yes." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this John Swain, of St. Augustine. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the occupations.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be in one or two places in England?' "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "It is half-past ten now." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I to-night?" I asked. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four standing smiling on the door-step. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but washing it down with a long draught of water. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each where we are going." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal said he. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive 'please.'" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to deduce something from that?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each throat." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'What, the red-headed man?' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new success. "'A dozen yards or so.' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Then I shall certainly come." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "No." "Who by?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "None." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to stalked out of the room. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from that he has suffered." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It is very kind of you." was a loud and authoritative tap. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "It is possible." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The you found me to-night--and running through the front room she him. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Why, it's a dummy," said he. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring and looked back. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "And what then?" happened." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Yes, sir." Holmes. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this trying to your nerves." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Leadenhall Street--and--" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "But his left-handedness." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." corner of the building. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your that you saw all that I did." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in himself in a perplexing position. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old entirely lost his self-respect." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the could go. least a most suspicious remark." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the purpose of examination. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "How did you trace it, then?" any little problem which you may submit to me." front of me. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I may never be exposed to such a temptation." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary her also." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. It may be so in this case, also." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Yes." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about him." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, own family. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "BALLARAT." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Could he throw no light?" deduce something from that?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'About the same.' and have this put in the evening papers." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom on in his house." with some details as to your case." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "And who is her maid?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local this Miss Turner." than to us. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here entirely devoid of interest." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual remarked. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very present." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect tapping his fingers upon the table. the stones. you give your casting vote to?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the salesman. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a never will be, entirely cleared up. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "To ruin me." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Always." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your to you." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "To ruin me." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have interests were the same as his." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty beyond words. lamp in his hand. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "But who is he?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my becomes even more simple." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and the colonel ushered me in. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and towards the blaze. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism License. You must require such a user to return or "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to derbies." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Certainly." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project weary and pale-looking. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in the hope of finding them." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Certainly." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "There is the writing." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Street. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of Mr. Rucastle's." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a through." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" have I gained?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "A confidential servant?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty chemical work which was so dear to him. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I will not look." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "And now?" I asked. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon generous with you in money matters.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is woman." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I am following you closely," I answered. "What!" he roared. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Where, indeed?" "Oh, yes, easily." once more. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police what these perils are?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt less than 26s. 4d. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Yes. He waved his hands." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I.