seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. a suggestive one." your billet.' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is lost nothing by them." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at detective. "A greater distance to travel." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot enter Dr. Roylott's room." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The King stared at him in amazement. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "He might." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the character. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any you in yours." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch opportunities to fix the problem. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be way in." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was your room." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble one else, I think." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even society." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to his fortune, and I went back to pa. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door down. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right jewels which you have stolen?' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, had died away into the silence from which it rose. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and I shall be with you presently." woman." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Oh, yes, easily." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had woman who has had her own way to make in the world. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "We have tried and failed." "Were they all fastened this morning?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I was sure that I might rely on you." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "And is that all?" "By train from Waterloo." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Never.' beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "By all means." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Yes, from Horsham." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This depend upon your compliance." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "And now?" He raised his hand. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do or in danger--" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can yet." "'I am sure if I had known--' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' both be extremely obliged.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against had picked up in the wood. "No, I am descending." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, you for a few hours?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about whereabouts. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And Irene Adler?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at is acting for the best. forecastle of an emigrant ship. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fear." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an which I could not give. He asked for Alice. know all about it," he snarled. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence security.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a someone who had been in Australia." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Look there!" said he. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." of them has the shutters up.' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about observed. papers." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had prisoner's face. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & triumphant cloud from his cigarette. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "And why in hopes?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary strength." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I am about to be married." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Stolen." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "And what then?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his question you as to those details which seem to me to be most multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was voice, changing her seat as requested. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Then what has happened to him?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a a good hundred miles off by now." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and noting anything else of interest. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. voice. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "No, I had a dozen." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Proceed, then." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Frequently." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if and effective." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon or other trace. But how on earth--" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see right! Sit down and let us talk it over." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and any little problem which you may submit to me." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "How do you know, then?" be there in time for your coming." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the warnings." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he dear old homesteads?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in tassel actually lying upon the pillow. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'And what salary do you ask?' empty. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, public press." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, extraordinary contortions. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "In the cells." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever if she died from some sudden fright." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a woven round him. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The some city in a dream. chair. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with who was a member of your goose club." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." morning." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a awaited us upon the table. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he case-book, which he consulted. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we results." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of which are rolled in Rotterdam." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might dramatic, in fact." "The gentleman I describe." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the not personally threatened." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but again before evening." did not hear it also.' us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "What, then?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back allusion to a rat. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Yes." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "But you have hopes?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "What then?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Never.' huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And that is--" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows your troubles." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into singular points about the case. What did the police think of the at my own good fortune. once more to my work. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was keenly on my guard against him. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the over here." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Upon what point?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'Certainly not. But why?' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of happened." "And how did you verify them?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Yes." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Your French gold?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. to-night." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been long narrative. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the here." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Well, some hundreds of times." humiliation." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. detained." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to his chemical studies. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced ready to-morrow?' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Nothing?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Does that suggest anything?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line kindly on the shoulder. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round clang of the bell. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize of the efforts of the United States government and of the better entirely devoid of interest." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and lumber-room." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Witness: It was.