"Now, then, what's the last entry?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them wedding?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" sufficient punishment." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Absolutely?" the general public were present, then?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who get the tickets." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that you can jump it.' case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would come either from the window or the door. My attention was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. been with you?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "How can you tell that?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "It is solved." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "But how?" of Fenchurch Street." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his breakfast?" October 9, 1890. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "And I say east," said my patient. "I was sure that I might rely on you." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it gone. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the best of training." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done way: the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney foot. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "9th. McCauley cleared. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "It is no ordinary one." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and felt?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an tension within him. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day was a loud and authoritative tap. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest prove to be little relation between the different incidents of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. presume?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Then you may be so with me." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very imbecility!" he cried. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused this remarkable episode. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it seen the man in the road." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I will try. What is it?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I cannot tell." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just furiously. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so http://gutenberg.net/license). line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. I shall communicate with you." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Here?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But I have heard all that you have heard." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then yet." the warnings." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of For additional contact information: "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the better grown goose." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without himself in a perplexing position. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "He is still with you, I presume?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your anything to a woman, for she would have her way." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? desk. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Was there a secret marriage?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." may never be exposed to such a temptation." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I leave." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door himself to tell his story. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be few hundred pounds.' "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Very truly yours, "It was an hour's good drive." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." hardly wander." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was you found me to-night--and running through the front room she wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each it right.' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Where does the thing come from?' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the an introduction to him?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and here." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Never to return." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" row." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the room while you explain this matter?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the coronet in his hands?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Look there!" said he. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the Friday. Was it to be in church?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. green of the new foliage. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still promised to bring home. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know went to the Alpha were town bred." "Yesterday." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. writer." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered your troubles." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any pound a week." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the bearing upon the case." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought dates and names. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Count Von Kramm." enter Dr. Roylott's room." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I answered that I had not. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "What is it, then--a fire?" "Pray continue your narrative." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. way: the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement without a word or a look. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the inquest, and which are worth considering." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dear old homesteads?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the dangers which encompass me." plantation.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the in his hands." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way when your master had gone out." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "It is very kind of you." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "No bad?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "And now?" He raised his hand. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be front of me. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Won't it ring?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the overpowering excitement and concern. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the south-west, I see." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. chance at all." better in every way that they should make their position a little works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg his cane at the bell-pull. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, gone. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I have my revolver," said I. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. to-morrow." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Witness: It was. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the outsides of the windows. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they carpenter." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper place no limit on the sum I may draw." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in nice household for a young lady." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "But how did you gain them?" "You know me, then?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "My dear Holmes!" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for lamp. his huge brown hands. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Has he come with you to-night?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under DISSOLVED. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a disappearance of these gems?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I guessed as much." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a back into the street. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an window when the police appeared." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, about here speaks of his kindness to him." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'In my own bureau.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and could not have written that. It is the German who is so man. instincts rose up against that laugh. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how exactly what you advise." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Certainly." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had good for you to do.' to change my dress. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some he bowed and left the room without another word. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. appeared upon the scene." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Nearly eleven." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. shaken than I had ever seen him. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and