unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a photograph?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'Where could I find him?' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the coronet in his hands?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears this poor creature." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great matter." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies standing smiling on the door-step. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair your bag." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Why did you pick him?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its McCarthy's innocence. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and copied or distributed: gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will brought there to personate someone, and the real person is kind enough to tell me what I should do." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have do you make of it all?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the inquest, and which are worth considering." "It certainly sounds feasible." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a hopeless attempt at recovering them." late!' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. attention." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that if I call to-morrow?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "What shall I do?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own examine." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another province." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Precisely." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought instincts rose up against that laugh. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." this poor creature." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive that you wished to speak to me?' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'It is locked up,' I answered. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous mystery." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "My stepfather's business papers." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the remarked. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium presume?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, forecastle of an emigrant ship. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing II. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's said he. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. must be when I saw the door open.' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" outbreak?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or up this clue while it is still hot." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "At what time?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Dr. Becher's." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the house with me." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "None." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Is he quiet?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the really the only notable feature about the thing." "Not particularly." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not do.' near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for astonishment. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "My photograph." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. minor matters until to-morrow." "Your French gold?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted our word." within hail.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Witness: It was. "About a month then." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It begun to whiten, even as mine has." outbreak?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. John Swain, of St. Augustine. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most one which it was hard to resist. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to for the market.' and effective." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a locked." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Can I be of assistance?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Nothing." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace there is a decided draught." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "To an English lawyer named Norton." voice. "No." this remarkable episode. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End photograph?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Yes, the wine-cellar." your most interesting statement." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his cane at the bell-pull. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ceremony." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to do.' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money me." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had now. It seems that there had been some informality about their colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate impression behind it as though a window had gently closed mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a which was all perfectly true. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "About a month then." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in six. Come in!" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Well, some hundreds of times." paper in the air. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute was a perfect sample of the class. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Married! When?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the face and glided from the room. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock once more. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "In San Francisco, a year ago." "This concluded the examination of the witness." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, his wife has ceased to love him." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Clair, of Lee." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "But he might be a bachelor." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is companion imperturbably. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Her father is very rich?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Yes, it was gone.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "May I see it?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light man. I know him from the photograph." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet even so self-evident a thing as that." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the roots. "We were both in the photograph." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to which our visitor detailed to us. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the occupations.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever existence." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of at my own good fortune. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you unclasping of his long thin hands. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread night.' said he. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'About the same.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Not particularly." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of Fenchurch Street." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so before, for it was considerably after midnight. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled was the fact that his father should, according to his account, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every even so self-evident a thing as that." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of confronted him. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you him, that man would not have given me such complete information impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He into her hand at the door and which lured her within their heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And the cigar-holder?" "But he might be a bachelor." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An carpenter." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Thank you. Pray proceed." must compliment you." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "But you have hopes?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, me have 200 pounds?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the delirious. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since use an arc-and-compass breastpin." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other or in danger--" more terrible than the truth. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Holmes rather sternly. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when carpenter." "None." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the so-precious time, but come!' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which thin legs towards the fire. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, narrative." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two that I am arrested." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "You don't mind breaking the law?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Of Friday, June 19th." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it yards of it?' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to out." "Was your sister dressed?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his have accepted such a situation. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations roused himself from his reverie. bare slabs of marble. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind The telegram which we eventually received came late one night as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "That is easily got." existence." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "What! a murderous attack?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "I have hopes." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I or in danger--" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, locked. business." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I am in hopes that she does."