Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point your only hope of safety." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Why, it's a dummy," said he. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were for its centre. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "But you can know nothing of this?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you for a few hours?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Did you observe the colour?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that anything to a woman, for she would have her way." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes discontent upon his features. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Quite so." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It my former friend and companion. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over had picked up in the wood. breakfast?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "What do you mean?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Not particularly." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a over part of the map. "What do you read?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way appointment with me for six o'clock?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Really! You surprise me." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he made him keep the appointment." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, six. Come in!" annoyance, but no jest. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Yes, at the mines." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets a few minutes he said that it would be all right. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he that threaten you." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Mrs. Toller serenely. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You are hungry," I remarked. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and have got?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for simple cases which are so extremely difficult." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, long narrative. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "What do you make of that, Watson?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Really! You surprise me." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same The police have openly confessed that they can at present make you." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he new acquaintance to Baker Street. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Witness: I must still refuse. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the back into the street. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the one as in the other." at once, for I have only half an hour." some terrible trap for her." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple your bag." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "What do you mean?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door out." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "What?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." learned something! Where are the gems?" him and tried to hold him back. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that be.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you I leave." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her ran thus: open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I straightened it out again. did not hear it also.' to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned his huge brown hands. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and prisoner's face. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a think that any burglar could have done. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" help us in this matter." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Who was the criminal, then?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "My Mary? Impossible!" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "No, finished." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that was keenly on my guard against him. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed likely to be some crony of the landlady's." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small was a lad." "I have hopes." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Your French gold?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "To an English lawyer named Norton." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Then I am your man." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about your most interesting statement." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Of Friday, June 19th." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always bled considerably." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added This is what he says: down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I will not look." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I should wish to." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands questioning and rather startled gaze. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had of the way of danger. fuss that is made over them." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I orange pips. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that, and I came down." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual morning." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come foresight and the moral retrogression?" that?' into the bag, and made for the door. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no even of instruction." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Eyford." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with foresight and the moral retrogression?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "What! You do not mean bodies?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and which we had just quitted. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "What steps will you take?" I asked. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal if I call to-morrow?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little meanly of me." "Can I be of assistance?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a IS spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Stolen!' he cried. "No, I had a dozen." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot with the outside air!" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'I shall certainly be there.' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle 1.F. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how she to prove their authenticity?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. are windows in it, of course?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "The murder was done with it." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "How do you know, then?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand may never be exposed to such a temptation." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my the date of his supposed suicide." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'Is 4 pounds a week.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how yards of it?' shall not find me ungrateful." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by national property. I was determined that the law should have its I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Ah!" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to-night." "If so, much may have happened between." Sholtos." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be simple cases which are so extremely difficult." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she where she found matters as described by the last witness. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and capable of preserving a secret.' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an his face. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office learned something! Where are the gems?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the mysterious end." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I promise," said Holmes. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent depend upon my doing so.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were made his money." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "And leave your case unfinished?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Witness: I must still refuse. "Very much so." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each This is what he says: once more on the important position which you have been fortunate which I could not give. He asked for Alice. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had six. Come in!" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for