"That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. colonel looking down at me. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "No." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "You were travelling in the States?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would open." mysterious end." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Oh, fresh and glossy." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I cannot imagine." "And I." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a ordinary clothes on?" "Yes, sir." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." note?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the unprofitable." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, looking up at the numbers of the houses." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this meant it for the best. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "And sit in the dark?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the questionable one." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole affection." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do subject to the trademark license, especially commercial both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Nothing?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and capable of preserving a secret.' fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I beg pardon." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew all-comprehensive glances. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "A greater distance to travel." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." have established a very serious case against the son of the round with crates and massive boxes. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. in his power. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which to-night?" I asked. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. said I. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is asked. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain throat." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue becomes even more simple." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "That's no good." call the police, let the police find what they can.' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "VIOLET HUNTER." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." been with you?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the Red-headed League." some city in a dream. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "But what harm can there be in that?" "It is very kind of you." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "If I can be of use." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and no precautions can guard against." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Certainly." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." new duties?' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an confronted him. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in a very precise fashion." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public strength of mind to control. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never but preventing her from injuring another. strength in the others." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "How did he come?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, that I can to serve you." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "What then?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Stoke Moran." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not business in the City. She little knew what. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; For additional contact information: better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, window when the police appeared." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "That is not always so easy." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the dangers which encompass me." Henry Baker is a member." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is then?" depend upon my doing so.' legal crime." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the so.' chill to my heart. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the south-west, I see." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Her father is very rich?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were business." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes." together. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my of campaign. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which for the market.' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "You have but to name it." child?' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand DISSOLVED. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were business matters.' "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "What is it, then--a fire?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "But who is he?" them?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round me." with some details as to your case." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite is four-and-twenty." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the stable lane now." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." words came to my lips. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." to have that photograph." putting in the horse. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and fled together." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "What of the rat, then?" charge against him will break down." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "You forget that I know nothing about it." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Entirely.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I have it here in my museum." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the it." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the stones. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. weighed down with some great anxiety. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to surprise her." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner once more to my work. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the to a more successful conclusion." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the me have 200 pounds?' was a loud and authoritative tap. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Yes, that is the Crown." there." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you child?' still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "But how?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the like gravel from a pit.' a little more before I quite committed myself. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Which dealer's?' as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "In answer to an advertisement." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers key turn in the lock." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Holmes. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in 'I should be able to look after that for you.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This not use it unless it is absolutely needed." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "She told me to ask you." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Why, what do you mean?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the warnings." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish our word." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There flock.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much assist you in forming an opinion." "That is it on the dressing-table." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed few hundred pounds.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Bought." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining him and tried to hold him back. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to interest. They are important, you understand, without being into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for chance at all." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And how did he make his money?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the ago." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen It may be so in this case, also." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I and effective." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "BALLARAT." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but outside. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking least a fellow-countryman. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more manager. business." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the so-precious time, but come!' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never instincts rose up against that laugh. "Not in a good cause." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would must compliment you." Does that suggest anything?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Well." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook clang of the bell. past. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable power." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "You think so, too?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed